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.
30th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Serin at Millfield briefly, and Tree Sparrow at Valyie. 2 Sand Martin at Baltasound. Sparrowhawk over Ordaal. 2 Jackdaw at Buness.
Yell: 2 Hawfinch, 5 Redpll and 3 Crossbill at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Out Skerries: Common Whitethroat, Tree Pipit, Dunnock, Carrion Crow.
Mousa: Ring Ouzel.
West Mainland: 6 Barnacle Geese at Norby.
South Mainland: Osprey over Loch of Brow, then north end of Spiggie, with 4 Pintail, 2 Shoveler, Barnacle and 4 Pink-footed Geese also there. Gadwall and Shoveler at Hillwell. Reed Bunting and Common Redpoll at Dave's Trees, and Jackdaw overhead, Sumburgh. Scaup, Iceland gull, and hybrid Glaucous x Herring at Maywick. Lesser Whitethroat at Scatness
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca spotted off Twageos, Lerwick before heading south as far as Sumburgh Head.
29th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Serin at Millfield, Sand Martin, White Wagtail and Snow Bunting at Skaw. 2 Common scoter at Uyeasound. Sparrowhawk at Saxa Vord hill.
Yell: Hawfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Foula: White-billed Diver off Ham Voe.
Central Mainland: Goosander at Loch of Hellister, Weisdale. Common Scoter at Hay's Dock, Lerwick.
West Mainland: 13 Great Northern Diver at Melby.
South Mainland: 6 Pintail, 6 Shoveler and Ruff at Spiggie. Blue-headed Wagtail at Exnaboe.
Cetacean Sightings: 10 Risso's dolphin at Haroldswick bay. Pod of Orca spotted off Setter Ness, Lunna, before heading south.
28th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Serin at Millfield, Norwick. Iceland Gull past Westing.
Out Skerries: Green Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, Common Sandpiper, Blue-headed Wagtail, Pied Flycatcher, Reed Bunting on the island.
Bressay: 2 Pink-footed Geese.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver at South Nesting Bay. Hawfinch at Law Lane.
South Mainland: Purple Heron at SE corner of Spiggie Loch. Ruff, 3 Shoveler, and 4 Pintail at Setter Marsh. Stock Dove at Hillwell. 25 Common Scoter north past Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: 3 Orca past Tonga, Unst.
27th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Serin at Millfield, Sparrowhawk at Valyie, Norwick. Crossbill at Northdale Pines. Peregrine at Haroldswick. Kestrel at Baliasta, Burrafirth and Baltasound, with Reed Bunting at School Trees. 2 Pink-footed Geese at Burrafirth.
Yell: Goosander at Gutcher.
Out Skerries: Blue-headed Wagtail, Grasshopper Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Common Sandpiper, Reed Bunting, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Song Thrush, Dunnock plus common migrants.
Central Mainland: Common Redstart at Kergord. 2 Gadwall at Clickimin.
South Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Dalsetter. Blue-headed Wagtail and 2 Shoveler at Hillwell, and Stock Dove at Quendale.
26th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Serin at Millfield, Grasshopper Warbler and 2 Ring Ouzel at Valyie, Norwick. 2 Pintail at The Houb, Baltasound. Kestrel and Arctic Skua at Westing. 132 Long-tailed Duck briefly on Easter Loch before departing. Reed Bunting and Black-tailed Godwit at Haroldswick pool. 2 Long-eared Owl at Hunter's Wood.
Out Skerries: Blue-headed Wagtail, Reed Bunting, and common migrants on the island.
Central Mainland: Kestrel at Black Gaet. 2 Hawfinch at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Mediterranean Gull below Spiggie Hotel, 2 Goosander and 6 Sand Martin at Spiggie. Purple Heron in Brow Marsh. Stock Dove at Hillwell. Dunnock at Grutness. Siberian Chiffchaff at Sumburgh.
25th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Serin at Millfield, 2 Ring Ouzel at Valyie, Norwick. Song Thrush at Halligarth.
Out Skerries: Blue-headed Wagtail, Ring Ouzel, Pied Flycatcher, Kestrel, 2 Song Thrush.
North Mainland: Gadwall at Loch of Braewick. Carrion Crow at Housetter.
West Mainland: 2 Crossbill at Bardister. Goldfinch at Michealswood, Aith. Magpie and 5 Barnacle Geese at Melby, Sandness.
Foula: Yellow-browed Warbler.
Central Mainland: 5 Common Tern at Loch of Strom.
South Mainland: 2 Sand Martin at Swinister Burn. Ring Ouzel at Geosetter. Barnacle and 5 Pink-footed Geese, and 2 Shoveler at Spiggie. 2 Stock Dove, Ring Ouzel and 5 Fieldfare at Quendale.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca seen from ferry heading to Fetlar, travelling northwards last seen from Gloup. Risso's dolphin seen from Papa Stour ferry.
23rd April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Hen Harrier and Kestrel at Hermaness. Peregrine at Uyeasound. 2 Jackdaw at Buness.
Yell: Great White Egret at Cullivoe. Blue-headed Wagtail at Sellafirth. Tree pipit at Hillend, Mid Yell. Sedge Warbler at Windhouse.
Whalsay: Eastern Bonelli's Warbler at Skaw Plantation.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Scatsta Farm.
South Mainland: Purple Heron and Marsh Harrier at Brow Marsh. Barncle Goose and Carrion Crow at Spiggie. Ring Ouzel and Sedge Warbler at Sumburgh Head. 2 Scaup and hybrid Scaup X Tufted Duck at Brow Loch.
24th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 5 Snow Bunting at Saxa Vord road. Barnacle Goose at Burrafirth. Serin at Millfield, Norwick.
Yell: Ring Ouzel and Merlin at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Out Skerries: Pied Flycatcher, Ring Ouzel, Reed Bunting, Tree Pipit, 2 Dunnock, Owl spp plus common migrants on the island.
South Mainland: Green Sandpiper and Iceland Gull at Quendale. Sedge Warbler at Dave's Trees, Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca reported from Skaw, Unst. 27's pod of Orca reported from South Nesting Bay, before moving south, eventually passing through Noss Sound. Pod of Orca were also reported close in to Sumburgh Head moving northwards.
22nd April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Sparrowhawk at Ordaal, Jackdaw at Baltasound and Kestrel at Baliasta. Blue Fulmar and Reed Bunting at Burrafirth.
Yell: Great White Egret at Sand Water.
Out Skerries: 2 Hawfinch, Sand Martin, Swallow, Song Thrush, Whimbrel, Fieldfare 28 on the island.
Whalsay: Eastern Bonnelli's Warbler still at Skaw Plantation.
Central Mainland: Song Thrush, Redpoll and Siskin at Mulla, Voe. Swallow at Fjara, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Dunnock at Noness, Sandwick. Crossbill, 3 Siskin, 3 Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Sand Martin and 3 Swallow at Hoswick. Purple Heron at Brow Marsh. 2 Gadwall and 2 Shoveler at Hillwell. Long-eared Owl at Virkie. Ring Ouzel at Toab. Eastern Subalpine Warbler, Common Tern, Arctic Skua, Pintail, 5 Gadwall, Chiffchaff and Swallow at Scatness. Sedge Warbler and Blackcap at Dave's Trees, Sumburgh Head. Redstart, Ring Ouzel and 30 Fieldfare at Sumburgh. 12 Fieldfare at end of Scatness road.
21st April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Common Crane over Setter's Hill Estate. Jackdaw at Buness. 2 Pintail on The Houb, Baltasound. 14 Brambling at Haroldswick.
Yell: Great White Egret still Cullivoe.
Out Skerries: Swallow, Ring Ouzel, 2 Hawfinch and Ashy/Blue-headed Wagtail briefly.
Bressay: Dunnock at Voehead.
Whalsay: Eastern Bonnelli's Warbler, Crossbill, Redpoll, and Chiffchaff at Skaw Plantation. Kestrel at Treawick.
Foula: Eastern Subalpine Warbler.
Central Mainland: Crossbills at Sullom. Redpoll at Mulla, Voe. Swallow at Fjara.
South Mainland: Purple Heron has moved to Brow Marsh. Scaup and hybrid (Scaup X Tufted) duck at Spiggie. Collared Dove at Dalsetter. 7 Swallow, House and Sand Martin at Virkie. 2 Great Skua and Swallow, Tree Pipit at Sumburgh Quarry.
20th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 8 Barnacle Geese at Heritage Centre. Kestrel at Baliasta. Common Crane over Buddabreak. Green Sandpiper at school pool and
Linnet at Baltasound.
Yell: Great White Egret still Cullivoe. Robin, Blackcap, 10 Siskin, 15 Brambling and 3 Redpoll at Hillend., Mid Yell. 2 Chiffchaff at Cullivoe.
Whalsay: Eastern Bonnelli's Warbler at Skaw Plantation.
Out Skerries: Grasshopper Warbler, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Hawfinch, Fieldfare, 4 Whimbrel, Reed Bunting, Song Thrush, Tree Pipit, 16 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, Robin and 3 Blackcap.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver still at South Nesting Bay.
South Mainland: Whimbrel, Siskin and Redwing at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Hobby at Dalsetter. 9 plus Great Skua at Spiggie bathing. Barnacle Goose at Quendale. Common Sandpiper at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: A pod of 6 Orca including 2 calves were seen in Whiteness Voe, before heading west into Garderhouse, Skeld and then northwards past Westerwick.
19th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kestrel at Baliaster. Blackcap at Ordaal. Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff at Uyeasound. Hawfinch at Baltasound.
Yell: Great White Egret at Cullivoe. Tree pipit at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Whalsay: Eastern Bonelli's Warbler at Skaw Plantation.
South Mainland: American Coot at Setter marsh, Spiggie. Purple Heron at Trosick Burn. Tree Pipit and 2 Willow Warbler at Dalsetter.
18th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Barnacle Goose at Norwick. Chiffchaff at Skaw. Merlin at Haroldswick. 2 White Wagtail at Clibberswick. Hawfinch at Baltasound.
Yell: Great White Egret at Cullivoe. 2 Blackcap, 2 Redwing at Gutcher. 4 Twite at Breckon. Chaffinch and Wood Pigeon at Cullivoe.
Out Skerries: 10 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Stonechat, Reed Bunting, 4 Whimbrel, Merlin, 2 Wood Pigeon and Song Thrush.
Central Mainland: Peregrine south of Voe. Hawfinch at Ladysmith's Road, Scalloway. Goosander at Kergord. Chiffchaff and Redpoll at Law Lane, 2 Crossbill at Ackrigarth, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Whimbrel returned to West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Marsh Harrier over Sanick. American Coot at Setter marsh, Spiggie. Purple Heron at Clumlie burn. Western Subalpine Warbler and 2 Common Redpoll at Dalsetter. 12 Pintail and 3 Gadwall at Scatness.
17th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 25 Fieldfare at Sotland. Hawfinch in Baltasound. Carrion Crow in Voesgarth.
Yell: 17 Fieldfare and Blackcap at Gutcher. Collared Dove and Blackcap at Cullivoe. Great White Egret still at Papil Loch, Cullivoe. Pink-footed Goose on Loch of Littlester.
Fetlar: Willow Warbler at Mires of Funzie.
Central Mainland: Greenfinch at Law Lane, Black-tailed Godwit at Sandy Loch, Blackcap at Burn of Sound, Willow Warbler at Burnbank, Lerwick. 5 Common Crossbill at Ackrigarth, Chaffinch at Helendale and Willow Warbler at Clickimin.
South Mainland: Western Subalpine Warbler still Dalsetter. Purple Heron at Boddam. Jackdaw, Rook and 3 Shoveler and Goldfinch at Hillwell. Chiffchaff at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: Single Orca seen by Yell ferry crew this morning. Pod of Orca seen briefly from Sumburgh Head heading south.
16th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenfinch, 2 Chiffchaff and Sparrowhawk at Halligarth. Barnacle Geese still at Burrafirth. Chiffchaff at Muness Garden. 60 Long-tailed Duck on Easter Loch.
Yell: Great White Egret at Papil Loch, and Greenland White-fronted Goose at Kirk Loch, Cullivoe. Kestrel at Sand Water.
Out Skerries: White Wagtail, Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and 2 Hawfinch.
Central Mainland: 4 Crossbill at Burn of Sound. Swallow at Clickimin.
South Mainland: White-tailed Eagle over Sandwick. American Coot at Setter marsh, 2 Sand Martin and Swallow at Spiggie. Western Subalpine Warbler, 2 Arctic Skua and Redpoll at Dalsetter. 5 Eurasian Coot and 2 Shoveler at Hillwell. Hawfinch at 2 Goldfinch at Quendale. Hawfinch at Exnaboe. 12 Pintail and 5 Gadwall at Scatness. 4 Willow Warbler and 3 Chiffchaff at Sumburgh. 25 Linnet and Wood Pigeon at Toab. Whitethroat at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orcas seen initially off the Bard, Bressay before heading south.
15th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 15 Barnacle Geese and House Martin at Burrafirth, Iceland Gull over Hagdale. 3 White-fronted Geese at Ordaal. 2 Chiffchaff and 3 Fieldfare at Northdale Pines. Swallow at Haroldswick bay.
Yell: Greenland White-fronted Goose and Barnacle Goose at Kirk Loch, Cullivoe. 17 Siskin, 4 Chaffinch, Redpoll, and Jackdaw at Hillend, Mid Yell. Brambling at Gutcher.
Whalsay: Great White Egret over Skaw.
Out Skerries: Brambling, Chiffchaff and 2 Hawfinch.
Central Mainland: House Martin at Voe. Crossbill at Helendale.
West Mainland: 2 Swallow at Aith.
South Mainland: 2 Redpoll and 3 Goldfinch at Cunningsburgh. American Coot at Setter marsh, Spiggie. Purple Heron at Clumlie burn/Troswick area still. Mistle Thrush at Clumlie. Western Subalpine Warbler at Dalsetter. 5 Eurasian Coot and 3 Shoveler, Wood Pigeon and Carrion Crow at Hillwell. 3 Stock Dove and Kestrel at Sumburgh Farm. Yellowhammer, Brambling and 2 Chiffchaff at East Longfield. 8 Pintail, Black-tailed Godwit, and 5 Gadwall at Scatness.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orcas reported through Yell Sound, heading northwards.
14th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Haroldswick. Hawfinch and Brambling at Valyie. Kestrel at Dales Voe, near Toft. 200+ Long-tailed Duck at Easter Loch.
Yell: 18 Siskin, 4 Brambling, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting at Hillend, Mid Yell.
North mainland: Ross's Goose seen at Hidden Loch, before flying south towards Sandy Loch, Northmavine.
Central Mainland: 3 Jackdaw at Weisdale.
South Mainland: 4 Goldfinch at Cunningsburgh. American Coot at Setter marsh,2 Gadwall and Sand Marting at Spiggie. 4 Eurasian Coot, 2 Carrion Crow and 3 Shoveler at Hillwell. Purple Heron at Clumlie burn. Swallow at Virkie and Sumburgh head.
Cetacean Sightings: 4 Orca seen off Skaw in Whalsay, heading northeast.
12th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Large flock of Kittiwake past Halligarth in heavy low cloud and drizzle. Merlin at Westing turnoff. 2 Brambling and Chaffinch at Valyie. 5 Siskin over Baltiview. Pale-bellied Brent Goose over Ordaal, Baltasound. Iceland Gull at Lund.
Yell: Short-eared Owl at Cullivoe Marina, 2 Chaffinch also Cullivoe. Brambling, Willow Warbler at Gutcher.
Fetlar: Peregrine at Aithness. Great Skua at Loch of Funzie.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk flying east over postoffice.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft. Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff at Brae Community Woodland. 3 Crossbill at Bight of Haggrister. Mediterranean Gull and Iceland Gull at Mair's Pier. Crossbill at Ackrigarth, Lerwick. Night Heron at Toogs, Black-throated Diver and Goldfinch at Burra.
West Mainland: Crossbill at Michealswood. Black-tailed Godwit at Watsness.
South Mainland: Goldfinch at Cunningsburgh. Whimbrel over Swinister Burn. American Coot at Setter marsh, Spiggie. Greenland White-fronted Goose at Scousburgh. Stonechat and Whimbrel at Mossy Hill. Stock Dove at Clevigarth. Purple Heron at Clumlie burn. Grey Wagtail, Tree Sparrow and Willow Warbler at Dalsetter. Green-winged Teal 2 Gadwall, 3 Coot and Ring Ouzel at Hillwell. Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap at Grutness. 8 Black-tailed Godwit in at Sumburgh Head.
13th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Widespread sightings of Wheatear and a few Great Skua too across the isles today - welcome back!
With returning breeding birds and common migrant numbers increasing, the daily updates will begin to focus on the less common, scarce or rare sightings only as the season progresses. This is purely due to volume - however, all records are still collated as always.
Unst: 3 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Haroldswick. Barnacle Goose at Norwick. Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Ordaal, Baltasound.
Yell: 2 Redpoll at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Whalsay: Arctic Skua at Skaw.
Out Skerries: 13 Wheatear, 12 Chiffchaff, 3 Swallow, Blackcap and Wood Pigeon.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft. Goldfinch and 2 Great Skua at Mossbank. Wheatear at Vidlin. 2 Siskin at Ladysmith Drive, Scalloway. Mediterranean Gull at Gremista burn, Goldfinch at Longland, Blackcap, Crossbill and Wheatear at Burn of Sound, 3 Redpoll and Goldfinch at Law Lane, Lerwick. Night Heron at Toogs periodically.
South Mainland: American Coot at Setter marsh, Spiggie. Purple Heron at Loch of Clumlie, then Durigarth. Whimbrel over Clumlie. 2 Sand Martin at Hillwell. Tree Pipit at Quendale. 18 Pink-footed Geese at Fleck. 138 Long-tailed Duck in West Voe. Goldfinch, 19 Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Knot at Virkie. 6 Pintail and 5 Gadwall at Scatness. Great Skua, 3 Pied Wagtail, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and Blackcap at Grutness. Great Skua at Fitful Head. 2 House Martin and Great Skua at Sumburgh Head, and 8 Black-tailed Godwits 200ms north and Ring Ouzel near to Dave's Trees.
11th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Blackcap at Baltaview. Peregrine over Halligarth, and Hawfinch flying to Hunters Wood.
Out Skerries: 4 Chiffchaff and 2 Robin.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft. Peregrine at South Nesting. Mediterranean Gull Gremista burn, Lerwick. Night Heron at Toogs, Burra.
South Mainland: Goldfinch at Cunningsburgh. American Coot at Setter marsh, and Pintail, 2 Slavonian Grebe, Spiggie. Purple Heron at Troswick burn. Goldfinch at Dalsetter. Green-winged Teal at Hillwell. Greenland White-fronted Goose at Scousburgh. 2 Stonechat and 4 Wheatear at Mossy Hill. Common Scoter at Quendale bay. 15 Pink-footed Geese at Fleck. 3 Swallow at Virkie. Blackcap at Grutness. Chiffchaff at Sumburgh Hotel Garden. 2 Redwing, Gadwall at Scatness. Gadwall at Hillwell.
10th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst:
Yell: Brambling at Gutcher and Chiffchaff at Cullivoe. 2 Great Skua at Lumbister.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft. Crossbill at Longland, Mediterranean, Iceland and Viking Gull at Gremista burn, Lerwick. Night Heron at Toogs, and Moorhen at Bridge End, Burra.
South Mainland: American Coot at Setter marsh, Spiggie. Purple Heron at Durigarth before relocating to Clumlie burn, Gadwall on Clumlie Loch. Goldfinch at Dalsetter. Green-winged Teal at Hillwell. 2 Common Crane flying north past Virkie. Red-flanked Bluetail at Grutness.
9th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Brambling at Valyie.
Yell: Song Thrush, Brambling, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch and 3 Wood Pigeon at Hillend, Mid Yell. Merlin at Gutcher.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft. Mediterranean Gull at Gremista. Night Heron returned to Outdoor Centre, Bridge End.
South Mainland: Purple Heron at Clumlie burn. Pintail at Boddam. American Coot at Spiggie, and Green-winged Teal at Hillwell. Black Redstart at Quendale. Dunnock at Dalsetter. Tree Sparrow at Virkie. 3 Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Blackcap at Sumburgh/Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Risso's Dolphin at north end of Bressay.
8th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Hawfinch at Baltasound. Blackcap at Halligarth. Willow Warbler at Skaw. 2 Goldcrest and Brambling at Valyie, plus Barnacle Goose.
Yell: Hen Harrier, Blackcap and 2 Pied Wagtail at Gutcher. Collared Dove at North Aywick.
Fetlar: Black Redstart at Stanetaft.
Whalsay: Velvet Scoter and Northern Eider at Symbister. 70+ Great Northern Diver in Skaw area.
Bressay: Hawfinch at Voehead. Moorhen still at Aith!
Foula: Wryneck.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Brough. A coot flew over Lerwick over night (sound recorded). Mediterranean Gull at Gremista, and Crossbill at Helendale, Chiffchaff singing at Burn of Sound, Lerwick. Night Heron returned to Outdoor Centre, Bridge End.
South Mainland: Chiffchaff singing at Hoswick Burn, Blackcap, Goldcrest and 3 Siskin around the Orca Inn area. American Coot still at Setter, Spiggie. Purple Heron at Boddam Voe, before moving to Clumlie Loch. Green-winged Teal at Hillwell. Black Redstart, Brambling and Tree Sparrow at Dalsetter. Kestrel at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: 14 Risso's Dolphin off Skaw, with 10+ Porpoise also in area. 4 Orca heading NE towards east side of Whalsay.
7th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Hawfinch and Goldfinch at Baltasound. 2 Chiffchaff and Wheatear at Haroldswick bay. Goldfinch, Chiffchaff and Chaffinch at Valyie.
Bressay: Singing Chiffchaff at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Mediterranean Gull at Gremista, Puffin off Fjara, and Redpoll spp at Helendale, Lerwick. Night Heron returned to Outdoor Centre, Bridge End
West Mainland: White-tailed Eagle filmed over Michaelswood, Aith.
South Mainland: Mistle Thrush at Cunningsburgh. Purple Heron and Green Sandpiper at Boddam Voe. American Coot still at Setter, Spiggie. Green-winged Teal and 3 Coot at Hillwell. Blackcap at Exnaboe. Tree Sparrow at Dalsetter.
6th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Willow Warbler at Skaw, and Linnet at Valyie. Sparrowhawk at Burrafirth. Chiffchaff at Haroldswick Pool. Shelduck on Easter Loch. Great Skua past Easting.
Yell: Blackcap at Cullivoe and Gutcher.
Out Skerries: Black Redstart, Chiffchaff and Dunnock.
Central Mainland: Mediterranean Gull at Gremista. Night Heron returned to Outdoor Centre, Bridge End, with Sparrowhawk at Toogs, Burra.
South Mainland: 2 Shoveler at NW Spiggie. Little Grebe at Setter Marsh. Pintail, and Purple Heron at Boddam Voe, before relocating to Durigarth. Green-winged Teal at Hillwell. Black Redstart and Collared Dove at Quendale, and Redwing at Mill.
5th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Wheatear at Norwick.
Yell: Blackcap at Cullivoe and Gutcher, plus Willow Warbler.
Bressay: Moorhen close to Score Point, Aith.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Mulla. Night Heron at Bridge End, and Chaffinch at Toogs, Burra.
South Mainland: Chiffchaff at Cunningsburgh. American Coot at Setter, Spiggie. American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal at Hillwell. Common Scoter at Quendale bay. Hawfinch at Dalsetter. House Martin at Virkie. 84 Long-tailed Duck, Wheatear, and Stonechat at West Voe. Wheatear, 2 Long-tailed duck at Grutness.
3rd April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Swallow at Hillend, Mid Yell. 2 Redwing and 2 Woodpigeon at Gutcher.
Central Mainland: Chiffchaff at Stromfirth. Wheatear at Vatsetter.
West Mainland: 8 Twite and Stonechat at Watsness.
South Mainland: 2 Wheatear on Mousa. 2 Shoveler at NW Spiggie, 3 Wheatear, 3 Red-throated Diver and 4 Long-tailed Duck, Pintail, and American Coot still Setter Marsh, Spiggie. 2 Gadwall at Boddam Voe. American Wigeon still and 2 Chiffchaff at Hillwell. Willow Warbler at Dalsetter. 2 Jackdaw at Scatness.
Cetacean Sightings: 5 Orca seen off Linga, Bluemull sound heading south.
4th April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Snow Bunting and Wheatear at Haroldswick. Sparrowhawk and Chiffchaff at Valyie.
Yell: Blackcap and Chiffchaff at Cullivoe. Merlin at Gloup, and Willow Warbler at Gutcher.
Whalsay: Wheatear at Skaw.
Central Mainland: Mediterranean Gull still at the Catch, and Swallow at Clickimin, Lerwick. Dunnock at Ladysmith Drive, Scalloway.
South Mainland: American Coot still at Setter Marsh, and 2 House Martin, 2 Shoveler and Pintail at Spiggie. American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull and Red-breasted Merganser, Tree Sparrow, Mistle Thrush, and Jackdaw at Hillwell. 3 Wheatear at Grutness, and 2 Jackdaw at Scatness. Sand Martin at Virkie. Black Redstart, House Martin, Siskin, at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: 5+ Risso's Dolphin off Lera Voe. Lone dolphin spp seen off Meal Beach.
2nd April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Great Tit at Valyie. Great Tit and Chiffchaff at Halligarth, 2 House Martin and Swallow at Baltasound. 2 Snow Bunting at Haroldswick.
Yell: Wheatear at Breckon and White Wagtail at Gutcher.
Foula: House Martin.
Central Mainland: Chiffchaff at Helendale, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Canada Goose near Hulma Water.
South Mainland: Chiffchaff at Ocraquoy. American Wigeon still Hillwell. Swallow at Quendale.
1st April 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Chiffchaff, Robin and Hawfinch at Valyie. Sparrowhawk at Baltasound school. Wheatear at Caldback. Redwing at Uyeasound. Great Tit at Valyie.
Yell: 2 Jackdaw at Breckon.
Out Skerries: Siskin, Great Northern Diver and Redwing.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft. White-billed Diver at Outrabister, Lunna. Mediterranean Gull at Shetland Catch, White Wagtail at Gremister, and 2 White Wagtail at Longland, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Wheatear at Scousburgh Hill. Wheatear at Boddam and Clumlie. 3 Puffin on cliffs, and Wheatear at Sumburgh Head. Chiffchaff at Grutness. 2 Wheatear at Compass Head, with Redwing and 18 Twite.
Cetacean Sightings: Orca seen in Dury Voe today.
31st March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Sanderling at Easting, 2 Snow Bunting at Haroldswick beach. 2 Jack Snipe at The Houb, Baltasound.
Central Mainland: Mediterranean Gull at Gremista Burn,
South Mainland: 2 Wheatear at Dalsetter.
Cetacean Sightings: Up to 6 Orca seen off Whalsay ferry between Laxo and Whalsay, heading south they were last seen off South Nesting Bay.
30th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull at Easter Loch. 2 Chiffchaff, White Wagtail, 2 Black Redstart at Valyie. Pied Wagtail and 2 Snow Bunting at Haroldswick beach and 2 Pintail at North Arye. Carrion Crow and Jackdaw at Caldback.
Yell: Great Skua seen in Yell Sound.
Bressay: Dunnock at Voehead.
Foula: Great Skua seen today.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft. Mediterranean Gull at Shetland Catch, Lerwick.
West Mainland: 70 Twite, Moor Hen and Linnet at Norby.
South Mainland: Greenland White-fronted Goose at Scousburgh. American Coot back at Setter Marsh. Bufflehead and American Wigeon still, plus 2 Shoveler and Coot at Hillwell. Northern Wheatear at Dalsetter. Iceland Gull at Grutness.
29th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kestrel again at Setter's Hill Quarry. 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Twite and Robin at Valyie. 9 Twite and fall of Meadow Pipit overnight at Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Jackdaw at Breckon.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver off Lunna viewed from Outrabister. Mediterranean Gull at Gremista burn area, Iceland Gull also present.
South Mainland: 2 Goldcrest at Sandwick. Coot at Spiggie. Bufflehead and American Wigeon still, plus 2 Pintail, 2 Shoveler, Coot and Iceland Gull at Hillwell. 28 Twite, and Long-tail Duck numbers dwindling with 10 at Grutness.
28th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Redpoll at Norwick. Carrion Crow at Baltasound.
Central Mainland: Lesser Black-backed Gull at Gremister field.
South Mainland: Greenland White-fronted Goose at Scousburgh. Bufflehead still plus 2 Shoveler and Coot at Hillwell. Chiffchaff singing at Dalsetter.
27th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kestrel at Setter's Hill Quarry.
Fetlar: Dunnock present on the island.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft. Mediterranean Gull at Gremista burn area, Iceland Gull also present.
South Mainland: Bufflehead still and Eurasian Coot at Hillwell. Pintail at Spiggie. 14 Pink-footed Geese at Sumburgh Farm.
26th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Mediterranean Gull at Gremista burn area, Iceland Gull also present.
South Mainland: Chiffchaff and 4 Goldcrest at Dalsetter. Short-eared Owl at Sumburgh.
25th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Red Kite, Water Rail, 5 Collared Dove and 6 Wood Pigeon at Valyie.
Yell: 2 Chaffinch at Breckon.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft. Mediterranean Gull at Gremista Farm area, Iceland Gull also present. Sparrowhawk at Helendale, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Canada Goose still at Murrister. Green-winged Teal still in Garderhouse/Sand area.
South Mainland: Bufflehead still at Hillwell. 2 Eider on Spiggie, 4 Linnet at Grutness. 17 Shelduck on Pool of Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: Members of the 27's Pod of Orca were first seen off Hamnavoe, before heading northwards, before being last reported in Sandsound.
24th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Mediterranean Gull at Gremista Farm area, Iceland Gull also present, and Chiffchaff in Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Bufflehead still at Hillwell. Chiffchaff at Toab.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca first reported off Brae, before moving south via Aith, and onwards.
23rd March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Black Redstart on Holsens Road, with Stonechat, Robin, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Siskin at Skaw. Mistle Thursh at Swartling. Jackdaw at Colbeck. Black Redstart, Robin, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest at Norwick.
West Mainland: 70+ Twite at Norby.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Sandgarth, Dale. Sand Martin at Voe (likely earliest record!). Mediterranean Gull at Gremista Farm area, Iceland Gull also present. Siskin and Robin at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway.
South Mainland: Robin, Chaffinch, Sparrowhawk, Redwing, 2 Wood Pigeon and 2 Teal at South Voxter, Cunningsburgh. Bufflehead still at Hillwell. 2 Redstart at Exnaboe, Black Redstart at Toab. Ring Ouzel at Hestingott. 3 Robin and Chiffchaff at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca spotted close to Busta House Hotel, before moving southwards to Grobness.
22nd March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Brough still. Mediterranean Gull at Gremista Farm area
South Mainland: Bufflehead at Hillwell, and American Coot still at Setter, Spiggie.
21st March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Stonechat at Skaw, and 5 Chaffinch at Norwick.
Yell: Chaffinch at Bellevue, Mid Yell.
Central Mainland: Mediterranean Gull at Shetland Catch. Shelduck in field near Tingwall airport.
South Mainland: American Wigeon and Bufflehead still at Hillwell. American Coot at Spiggie.
20th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Jackdaw at Baltasound.
Whalsay: 95 Purple Sandpiper at The Houb.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft.
Cetacean Sightings: Humpback Whale near Linga Isle, and Sound Gruney. 3 Orca in Baltasound this morning.
19th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull at Easter Loch. Jackdaw in Uyeasound. Hundreds of Long-tailed Duck gathering on Easter Loch.
Yell: Greenfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.
South Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Hoswick. Stonechat and dead puffin at Quendale. Bufflehead at Hillwell, with American Coot still at Setter, Spiggie. Pink-footed Goose at Fleck.
18th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Greenfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.
South Mainland: American Wigeon still at Hillwell.
17th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Redpoll at Valyie. 9 Grey Heron in flight over Belmont.
Yell: Snow Bunting at Breckon beach.
Out Skerries: Stonechat, Chaffinch, Robin, Redwing, 3 Teal, 3 Heron, 2 Skylark and Song Thrush.
Foula: Adult White-tailed Eagle.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver off Ness of Setter, Lunna.
South Mainland: American Wigeon still at Hillwell.
16th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 22 Snow Bunting at Crussafield.
Yell: Siskin, Wood Pigeon and Redpoll at Hillend, Mid Yell. 2 Chaffinch at Breckon.
Fetlar: Stonechat at Funzie.
South Mainland: Bufflehead still at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: 4 Orca seen in Snarraness Voe, West Burrafirth in the evening.
15th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull at Easter Loch.
Yell: Song Thrush at Bellevue, Mid Yell.
Fetlar: Stonechat at Funzie.
South Mainland: American Coot still at Setter Marsh, Spiggie. Bufflehead and American Wigeon still at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: A Humpback Whale photographed in Dury Voe recently, has been matched to an animal seen in The Azores in 2016, and Svalbard in 2017. Pod of Orca seen near Walls, and headed north, and some more seen off Sumburgh Head also heading north.
14th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Chaffinch at Valyie.
Yell: 16 Twite at Cullivoe. Stonechat at Neapaback, Burravoe.
Out Skerries: 5 Stonechat, Chaffinch and Brambling.
Fetlar: Stonechat at Funzie.
South Mainland: Bufflehead still at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: 4 of 27's pod of Orca first sighted off the fish factory in Lerwick, they travelled south, being followed all the way down to Grutness. During this, 3+ Orca reported travelling north through Bluemull sound. Later, 2 Humpback Whale were seen in Bluemull sound, close to Linga isle heading north.
13th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Chaffinch, 5 Collared Dove and Redpoll at Valyie.
Yell: 2 Chaffinch at Breckon.
Out Skerries: Wren, Robin, Chaffinch and Brambling visiting a garden on the island.
Fetlar: Stonechat at Funzie.
Bressay: 2 Tundra Bean Geese south of Hoversta, and 3 Wood Pigeon.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Brough, Toft.
South Mainland: Bufflehead and American Wigeon still at Hillwell. American Coot still, and Pintail at Spiggie. 34 Great Northern Diver in Quendale Bay. 14 Pink-footed Geese at Fleck, Stonechat at Exnaboe and Mossy Hill.
Cetacean Sightings: At least 1 Humpback Whale still in Dury Voe.
12th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 100+ Ringed Plover at Uyeasound.
Yell: 22 Purple Sandpiper at Hamnavoe. 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull at Ulsta. 12 Skylark at Cullivoe.
Fetlar: Stonechat at Funzie.
Whalsay: Stonechat at Skaw.
Bressay: White-fronted Goose at Maryfield.
Central Mainland: Stonechat at Cunningham Way, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Bufflehead still at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Humpback Whale off Belmont heading north. 2 Humpback Whale seen from Whalsay ferry before being sighted off Laxo ferry terminal (3). Pod of Orca reported heading south off Sandwick.
11th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Bressay: 2 Tundra Bean Geese at Hoversta.
Central Mainland: Stonechat at Mulla, Voe. 2 Skylark at Stromfirth.
South Mainland: Bufflehead still at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca sighted off Vaila before travelling southwards towards Trondra.
10th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 7 Siskin, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Twite, Water Rail, and 4 Moorhen at Valyie/Norwick. 20 Skylark Uyeasound.
Yell: 8 Skylark, 6 Twite, Fieldfare at Cullivoe. 10 Twite at Breckon.
Bressay: Chiffchaff and Water Rail at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Brough, Toft.
South Mainland: American Coot at Setter marsh, Spiggie. 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Scousburgh. Bufflehead and American Wigeon and Iceland Gull at Hillwell. Stonechat at Clumlie.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Orca seen heading south to Mossbank.
9th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 6 Siskin at Valyie.
Yell: Chiffchaff at Cullivoe. 10 Siskin at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Whalsay: Stonechat at Skaw.
South Mainland: Bufflehead still at Hillwell. Chiffchaff at Setter, Spiggie.
8th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 14 Twite at Brake, Burra. Merlin and Skylark at Moul of Eswick, South Nesting
South Mainland: Bufflehead still at Hillwell.
7th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Iceland and Kumlien's Gull at Easter Loch. 5 Brambling at Leawart, Norwick. Hen Harrier flown north from Uyeasound.
Yell: Skylark at Aywick, and Goldcrest at Hillend, Mid Yell. 7 Twite at Cullivoe.
Bressay: 2 Tundra Bean Geese at Hoversta.
Central Mainland: Skylark at Burravoe Hill, Brae. 3 Great Northern Diver, 3 Slavonian Grebe, Red-breasted Merganser and 6 Long-tailed Duck in Whiteness Voe. Robin singing at Burn of Sound.
West Mainland: Magpie, Jackdaw and 60 Twite at Melby. 2 Pink-footed Geese at Twatt.
South Mainland: Chaffinch at Levenwick. Bufflehead still at Hillwell. Short-eared Owl at Boddam. Skylark singing at Spiggie
Cetacean Sightings: 3 Orca reported from Sumburgh travelling south.
6th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Chaffinch at North Aywick. Hen Harrier at Burravoe.
Central Mainland: Chaffinch at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Bufflehead still at Hillwell. Stonechat at Toab.
Cetacean Sightings: Single male Orca still in Olna Firth first thing this morning. Orcas sighted at mouth of Dury Voe.
5th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Bressay: 2 White-fronted Geese and 3 Bar-tailed Godwit at Hoversta.
Central Mainland: Iceland Gull in field by Gremister Farm.
South Mainland: Linnet at Virkie. White-fronted Goose at Exnaboe, and 14 Pink-footed Geese at Clevigarth.
Cetacean Sightings: Single male Orca still in Olna Firth.
4th March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Blackcap at Law Lane, and 2 Iceland Gull at Lerwick Harbour.
South Mainland: Bufflehead still and Iceland Gull at Hillwell. Iceland Gull at Spiggie.
Cetacean Sightings: Single male Orca still in Olna Firth.
3rd March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Hen Harrier at Kergord.
West Mainland: 70+ Twite (2 Colour-ringed), 2 Moorhen, Pied Wagtail at Norby.
South Mainland: Little Grebe, Pintail, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull at Spiggie. Bufflehead and Iceland Gull at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: Single male Orca still in Olna Firth.
1st March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland Gull at Westing. Kumlien's Gull at Uyeasound.
South Mainland: Bufflehead at Hillwell. American Coot still at Spiggie.
Cetacean Sightings: Single male Orca in Olna Firth. Pod of Orca also seen at Heylor, Ronas Voe.
2nd March 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Brough, Toft. Northern Eider at Shetland Catch, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Bufflehead and Iceland Gull at Hillwell. American Coot at Spiggie. Snow Bunting at Quendale. Iceland Gull at Dalsetter. Common Scoter at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: Single male Orca still in Olna Firth.
28th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Whalsay: Tundra Bean Goose at Challister.
Out Skerries: Merlin, Stonechat, Song Thrush and Greenfinch.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Toft. White-billed Diver seen from Skerries Ferry. Goosander at Swining. 8 Siskin and 2 Chaffinch at Kergord. Grey Wagtail at North Road, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Bufflehead at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: Single male Orca, unknown individual, is still in Olna Firth. Pod of 5 Orca reported off Ham, Foula.
27th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Twite (orange coloured leg tag) and 5 Collared Dove. 11 Twite at Haroldswick. 32 Ringed Plover and Dunlin at Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Skylark at Breckon.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Brough, Toft. White-billed Diver in South Nesting Bay.
South Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Swinister, Red-throated Diver and 2 Mute Swan at Hoswick. Bufflehead at Hillwell. White-fronted Goose at Exnaboe and 14 Pink-footed Geese at Clevigarth.
Cetacean Sightings: Single male Orca continues to be present off Olna pier.
24th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Moorhen and Wood Pigeon at Norwick.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Toft. Siskin and Redpoll at Mulla, Voe.
South Mainland: Bufflehead at Hillwell. American Coot at Spiggie. White-fronted Goose at Exnaboe, 6 Pink-footed Geese at Clevigarth.
25th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Song Thrush at Norwick.
Yell: 3 Snow Bunting at Cullivoe, and 6 Oystercatcher at Breckon Beach.
Bressay: Song Thrush at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Hen Harrier north of Aith. Goldfinch at The Sletts, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Culswick.
South Mainland: Bufflehead at Hillwell. White-fronted Goose at Fleck.
Cetacean Sightings: Single male Orca seen at Olna near Wethersta.
26th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Twite at Valyie. Goosander at Easter Loch. Northern type Eider from SOTEAG survey in Bluemull Sound, with Black-throated Diver off Heogland.
Yell: Stonechat at Mid Yell.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Brough, north of Toft.
Whalsay: White-billed Diver NE off Skaw Taing.
Foula: Puffin seen off island.
South Mainland: Bufflehead and American Wigeon at Hillwell. American Coot still Spiggie. Deceased Whooper Swan, plus Common Scoter, Song Thrush and Chiffchaff at Quendale.
Cetacean Sightings: Single male Orca commuting between Olna and Linga isles.
23rd February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Shoveler on The Houb, Baltasound.
Yell: Pink-footed Goose at Burravoe.
Central Mainland: Iceland Gull at the Fish Market, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Jackdaw and Carrion Crow at Norby.
South Mainland: Bufflehead and American Wigeon at Hillwell. Lesser Black-backed Gull at Dalsetter.
22nd February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Puffin off Norwick.
South Mainland: Pied Wagtail and Song thrush at Setter, American Coot still at Spiggie. Bufflehead and American Wigeon at Hillwell. 5 Stonechat, Pied Wagtail, and 3 Meadow Pipit at Grutness. Stonechat at West Voe.
21st February 2025
Bird Sightings:
West Mainland: Canada Goose in fields south of Loch of Murraster.
South Mainland: Bufflehead and Iceland Gull at Hillwell.
20th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Brough.
West Mainland: Magpie at Sandness. Green-winged Teal at Loch of Semblister.
South Mainland: American Coot still at Spiggie. Pintail at Scatness. 2 Stonechat at Grutness Beach.
19th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 4 Jackdaw at Scatsta Airfield.
18th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Snow Bunting at Cullivoe.
South Mainland: 4 Common Scoter at Sandsayre, Leebitton. Bufflehead and American Wigeon at Hillwell. 80 Oystercatcher at Quendale beach. 182 Curlew flying south over the Quendale dunes. 14 Pink-footed Geese at Clevigarth. Iceland Gull at Scatness.
17th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Woodcock at Virda Field. Robin and 4 Collared Dove at Valyie.
Yell: White-billed Diver at Gloup Head.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Toft.
South Mainland: White-fronted Goose at Scousburgh. Bufflehead and American Wigeon still at Hillwell. American Coot still at Spiggie. White-fronted Goose at Fleck.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Humpback Whale heading west past Vementry.
16th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
The Community Development Company of Nesting (CDCN) announced the Loch of Benston Wildlife Hide is now officially open.
Unst: Kumlien's Gull at Uyeasound.
Central Mainland: Robin, Fieldfare and 12 Blackbird at Swining.
South Mainland: Bufflehead at Hillwell. Eurasian White-fronted Goose at Exnaboe. 14 Pink-footed Geese at Clevigarth.
15th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Shoveler at The Houb, Baltasound. Kumlien's Gull at Uyeasound.
Yell: Snow Bunting at Cullivoe.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Toft. Common Scoter at Dury Voe. 2 Fieldfare, and Redwing at Gallow Hill, Scalloway.
South Mainland: Mistle Thrush, 26 Blackbird, 5 Fieldfare and 4 Redwing at Setter, Spiggie. Bufflehead at Hillwell. Eurasian White-fronted Goose at Exnaboe.
14th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Snow Bunting at Cullivoe.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose with Greylag off Brough, Toft. Barnacle Goose and Long-tailed Duck at Loch of Tingwall.
West Mainland: Canada Goose at Murrister Quarry, West Burrafirth Junction. Green-winged Teal at Loch of Semblister.
South Mainland: Bufflehead back on Hillwell this morning. American Coot on Spiggie. 19 Great Northern Diver, Common Scoter with Long-tailed Duck in Quendale bay.
13th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Iceland Gull at Laxa Burn, Mid Yell. 2 Great Northern Diver at West Sandwick. 2 Snow Bunting and Meadow Pipit at Cullivoe.
Bressay: 123 Twite, and Sparrowhawk at Setter bird crop.
South Mainland: American Coot still at Spiggie. American Wigeon at Hillwell.
12th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Shoveler at The Houb, Baltasound.
Central Mainland: Barnacle Goose at Loch of Tingwall. 2 Meadow Pipits at garden in Lerwick.
West Mainland: Green-winged Teal at Loch of Semblister.
South Mainland: American Coot at Spiggie. American Wigeon and singing Skylark at Hillwell. Grutness Voe held Great Northern Diver, 4 Red-throated Diver, 12 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Oystercatcher, 78 Purple Sandpiper, 64 Turnstone, and 18 Rock Dove.
11th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Robin at Valyie. Blue Fulmar at Burrafirth.
Yell: Robin, 2 Snow Bunting and 2 Oystercatcher at Cullivoe.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Scatsta Farm. Black-throated Diver off Housabister, South Nesting Bay.
South Mainland: A second American Wigeon X Eurasian Wigeon at Spiggie.
10th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Red Grouse at West Sandwick. 20 Snow Bunting at Wart Road.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Scatsta. Hen Harrier at Billister, North Nesting.
West Mainland: Black-throated Diver at Scarvister, Easter Skeld.
South Mainland: Merlin and Hen Harrier at Swinister Burn. American Coot with Eurasian Coot at Setter, Spiggie. Chiffchaff at Quendale. 14 Pink-footed Geese at Clevigarth.
Cetacean Sightings: 27's Pod of Orca first sighted off Lunna before heading south into South Nesting Bay, being seen last off the Moul of Eswick heading south.
9th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: 'Hornemanni' Arctic Redpoll at Gluss.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta. Woodcock flew over main road at Sound, Lerwick late afternoon.
South Mainland: American Wigeon at Hillwell. American Coot with Eurasian Coot at Setter Marsh. Merlin at Sumburgh.
8th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Merlin at Breckon.
Bressay: Canada Goose still at Maryfield.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta.
South Mainland: Bufflehead and American Wigeon at Hillwell. American Coot still north of Setter.
7th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Meadow Pipit at Norwick. 4 Fieldfare at Baliasta. Iceland gull south through Westing. Kumlien's Gull at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: Iceland Gull at Mid Yell and Laxa Burn. 20 Twite at Breckon.
Bressay: Canada Goose still Maryfield.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Scatsta.
West Mainland: Goosander over Burn of Lunklet. 2 Pink-footed Geese at Twatt.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier at Clumlie junction. Bufflehead on Hillwell. 7 Shelduck at Virkie. Fieldfare movement noted with 5 in at Sumburgh, c40 at Virkie, 2 at Grutness, and c30 at Spiggie.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca seen within Scalloway harbour, appear to be some of the 27's pod, worked their way north into Sand Voe and Reawick, before continuing northwards being last reported off Vaila.
6th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Noticeable increase in Oystercatcher numbers being widely reported.
Fetlar: Hen Harrier near Aith.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Scatsta. Siskin at Mulla, Voe. Of note, Siskin has appeared at this garden for the last 12 consecutive months.
South Mainland: Blue Fulmar at Scousburgh. American Coot at Littleness, 3 Slavonian Grebe, Red-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver on Spiggie. Lesser Black-backed Gull, American Wigeon and Bufflehead at Hillwell.
5th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Shoveler briefly at The Houb, Baltasound.
Bressay: Canada Goose east of Maryfield.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta.
South Mainland: American Coot with Eurasian Coot between Littleness and Setter. American Wigeon and Bufflehead at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: Humpback Whale heading north past Watsness.
4th February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Fieldfare and Oystercatcher at Breckon. Oystercatcher at Gossabrough.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta. Glaucous Gull at Sandy Loch, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier at Channerwick. American Wigeon X Wigeon and American Coot at Noss junction, and Pintail at north end of Spiggie. Bufflehead at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca seen in Urafirth Voe, Hillswick before moving into Mangester Voe. Pod of dolphin moving northwards from Firths Voe towards Mossbank. 2 Orca seen off Sumburgh.
3rd February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland Gull at Westing. Kumlien's Gull at Easter Loch, and Rook at Baltasound.
Yell: Goosander at Laxa Burn, Mid Yell.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta.
South Mainland: Barnacle Goose, Kumlien's Gull and Peregrine at Ireland. Bufflehead at Hillwell. American Wigeon at Quendale flood.
2nd February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Water Rail and 3 Redwing at Kirk Loch.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta.
South Mainland: Bufflehead and American Wigeon at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca came through Lerwick Harbour, before exiting northwards.
1st February 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Rook at Saxa Vord. Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch. Carrion Crow at Baltasound.
Yell: Goosander at Whale Firth.
South Mainland: American Coot between Setter and Littleness. Bufflehead at Setter Marsh, Spiggie. American Wigeon at Quendale. Lesser Black-backed Gull at Ireland. Short-eared Owl over road at Hoswick junction.
31st January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.
Bressay: 130 Twite at Setter crop, Canada Goose still present.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta. White-billed Diver off South Nesting Bay. 2 Knot, 61 Purple Sandpiper, 68 Ringed Plover at Fjara roost.
South Mainland: , American Coot still at Spiggie Loch. Short-eared Owl at Brow Marsh. Bufflehead initially at Hillwell, before moving back to Setter, Spiggie in the afternoon. American Wigeon was still in fields close to Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Humpback Whales seen south of Mousa. Pod of Orca seen of Eshaness.
30th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Goosander at Wester Loch.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta.
South Mainland: Water Rail at Cunningsburgh. Bufflehead back at Hillwell, and American Wigeon was still in fields close to Hillwell. Peregrine took Little Auk off Sumburgh Look Out, Peregrine also seen at Dalsetter. 2 Glaucous Gull at Spiggie and another at Scatness. Water Rail at Cunningsburgh.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca seen from St Ninians, before being seen again passing through Scalloway harbour heading north.
29th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose at Scatsta.
South Mainland: Bufflehead at Hillwell, before flying to Scatness. American Coot south of Noss Junction, and the American Wigeon was still in fields close to Hillwell. 2 Common Scoter at Toab. Hawfinch over Sumburgh Head. Hen Harrier at Geosetter. Merlin at Spiggie.
28th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Goosander at Wester Loch, and Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta.
South Mainland: Bufflehead, American Coot , and the American Wigeon was still in fields close to Hillwell. Merlin, and Kumlien's Gull at Spiggie seen flying out to sea.
26th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch, and Kumlien's Gull along the shore at Uyeasound.
Yell: Pink-footed Goose at Loch of Littlester.
Fetlar: Iceland Gull at Houbie, and Woodcock at Stackaberg.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta.
South Mainland: Bufflehead, most likely the Foula bird, was seen at Setter, Spiggie Loch before taking flight heading southwards. American Coot was still present, along with Pochard, Pintail, Little Grebe, 2 Slavonian Grebe, and the American Wigeon was still in fields close to Hillwell. 3 Shelduck at Virkie, and another at Boddam.
27th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta.
No further news today.
25th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Moorhen at Norwick. Kumlien's Gull at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta. 150+ Hooded Crow at Clickimin, Westerloch Road, Lerwick.
South Mainland: American Wigeon at Quendale dunes, Barnacle Goose at Quendale mill. American Coot still at Setter/Noss Junction, 2 Glaucous Gull, Spiggie.
Cetacean Sightings: 3 Orca reported heading north past West Linga, Whalsay this morning.
24th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still at Scatsta.
South Mainland: Barnacle Goose at Ireland. Carrion Crow at Maywick. Iceland Gull at Spiggie.
23rd January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Snow Bunting still at Basta. Woodcock at Gossabrough.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still between Scatsta Airfield and Loch of Trondravoe. Iceland Gull at Pullars Loch, 70+ Ringed Plover at Fjara, Lerwick.
South Mainland: American Wigeon still at Hillwell. Peregrine at Sumburgh Head.
22nd January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: White-billed Diver, plus 5 Great Northern Diver and Common Guillemot at White Hill, Vatsetter.
Bressay: 220+ Twite at Setter bird crop. Canada Goose near Mail.
North Mainland: 3 Woodcock at Ronas Hill.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose again between Scatsta airfield and Loch of Trondravoe. 8 Velvet Scoter at Sullom Voe. White-billed Diver off Kirkabister, South Nesting. Iceland Gull at Lerwick Harbour.
South Mainland: American Coot still at Spiggie, and American Wigeon still at Hillwell. C160 Long-tailed Duck at West Voe.
21st January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Short-eared Owl at Lund. Total of 7 drake and female 'Northern Eider' on Bluemull.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose relocated for a time above Scatsta Farm. White-billed and Black-throated Diver off Kirkabister, South Nesting.
South Mainland: American Coot still at Spiggie, and American Wigeon still at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: Orca at Swinister end of Ronas Voe late in the afternoon.
20th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Snow Bunting at Basta Voe.
Foula: Bufflehead still at Mill Loch, plus 5 Glaucous Gull.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still close to Scatsta airport.
South Mainland: American Coot with 2 Eurasian Coot between Setter and Littleness, Kumlien's Gull, 2 Glauous Gull, Pintail, 2 Pochard, 3 Slavonian Grebe, Red-breasted Merganser, and 2 Red-throated Diver at Spiggie. 14 Pink-footed Geese and Peregrine at Clevigarth. 3 Shelduck and 21 Sanderling at Virkie. Common Scoter and Puffin at West Voe.
19th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Water Rail at Valyie. Glaucous Gull at Loch of Watlee.
Foula: Bufflehead on Mill Loch.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still with Greylag flock, north of Loch of Trondravoe.
South Mainland: American Wigeon below farm at Quendale, 50+ Oystercatcher, Glaucous Gull and Chiffchaff. 12+Twite at Toab. American Coot, with 2 Eurasian Coot, and Glaucous Gull, Spiggie Loch.
18th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Water Rail at Ordaal, Baltasound.
Foula: Bufflehead still on the island.
Bressay: 180 Twite (c20 colour-ringed), and Sparrowhawk at Setter bird crop.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still with Greylag flock close to north of Loch of Trondravoe.
South Mainland: Kumlien's Gull at Ireland, and another at Spiggie Loch. Merlin at Ireland hunting starlings. American Wigeon still at Hillwell, with Glaucous Gull also present. American Coot opposite Noss Junction, with Eurasian Coot, also present Slavonian and Little Grebe, Spiggie Loch. Peregrine over Clumlie and Dalsetter.
17th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Iceland Gull south past Westing. Kumlien's Gull at Easter Loch.
Foula: Bufflehead still at Ham Voe.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose still with Greylag flock close to Scatsta airport.
South Mainland: Kumlien's Gull at Ireland. American Wigeon still at Hillwell. American Coot opposite Noss Junction, also present 2 Pochard and Little Grebe, Spiggie Loch.
16th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Snow Bunting at Cullivoe.
Foula: Bufflehead still at Sandvatten loch. 6 Glaucous Gull among c1000 Herring and Black-backed Gulls on Mill Loch.
Central Mainland: Ross's Goose found close to Scatsta Airport, 1st record for Shetland.
South Mainland: Kumlien's Gull off beach, at Ireland. 83 Little Auk past The Lookout, Sumburgh Head in a little over 1.5hrs. American Coot with 2 Eurasian Coot, and Pochard, Spiggie Loch.
Cetacean Sightings: 5 Orca seen of The Lookout, Sumburgh Head.
15th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous, Iceland and Kumlien's Gull at Westing.
Yell: Snow Bunting at Basta.
Central Mainland: 2 Lesser Redpoll and Woodcock at Burravoe. 7 Jackdaw at Kergord. Iceland Gull at Lerwick Harbour.
South Mainland: American Wigeon still at Hillwell. American Coot still at Spiggie Loch.
14th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Snowy Owl close to Uyeasound, not seen subsequently. Glaucous and Iceland Gull at Westing. Kumlien's Gull at Easter Loch.
Yell: Gyrfalcon (grey) over Beaw Field, Hamnavoe. Not seen subsequently.
Bressay: Canada Goose at Hoversta.
Central Mainland: Siskin at Mulla, Voe.
South Mainland: Iceland Gull at Ireland. American Wigeon still at Hillwell. American Coot still, also Glaucous Gull and Water Rail at Spiggie. 2 Shelduck at Boddam Voe. Chiffchaff and Grey Wagtail at Quendale. 2 Snow Bunting and Merlin at Grutness.
13th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
No news today
12th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Glaucous Gull at Burrafirth.
Bressay: Canada Goose still present on the island.
Central Mainland: 72 Purple Sandpiper at Fjara, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Rook at North Town. American Coot and Eurasian Coot at Setter, Little Grebe and Pochard also present, Spiggie Loch. Shelduck at Boddam Voe. 2 Jack Snipe at South Voxter, Cunningsburgh. Glaucous Gull at Virkie.
11th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Glaucous Gull at Burrafirth.
Bressay: Canada Goose at Mail.
Central Mainland: Brambling at Brae. Velvet Scoter and Puffin at Dales Voe. 2 White-billed and Black-throated Diver in South Nesting Bay.
South Mainland: Little Auks seen off Sumburgh Head. American Coot, and 2 Rook at Setter, Spiggie. Mistle Thrush at Ringasta. Shelduck at Virkie. 2 Common Scoters and Little Auk at West Voe. 14 Pink-footed Geese at Sumburgh.
Cetacean Sightings: 6-8 Porpoise in Quendale Bay. Risso's dolphin off Levenwick cliffs. 2 Risso's east off Sumburgh Head.
10th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Common Scoter at Easting, and Water Rail at Ordaal, Baltasound.
Bressay: Canada Goose at Mail, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit at Leira Voe, 300 Twite at Setter bird crop, plus Merlin, 3 Redwing and 6 Great Northern Diver.
Central Mainland: 15 Snow Bunting along North Nesting road.
South Mainland: American Coot and 2 Eurasian Coot, 2 Slavonian Grebe and Little Grebe at Spiggie.
9th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Black-throated Diver off Easting. Jackdaw at Halligarth. Shoveler at Hamar.
South Mainland: Grey Wagtail at Cunningsburgh. Common Scoter at West Voe. American Coot still Spiggie, and American Wigeon still Hillwell.
8th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull and Whooper at Burrafirth. 4 Whooper and 2 Tufted Duck at Easter Loch.
Foula: Bufflehead at Mill Loch, plus Glaucous Gull.
South Mainland: American Wigeon at Hillwell. Glaucous Gull at Sumburgh Head.
7th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
No reports today.
6th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hen Harrier at Basta, Voe.
Foula: Bufflehead still at Ham Voe. 6 Glaucous Gull among c1000 Herring and Black-backed Gulls on Mill Loch.
Central Mainland: 4 Knot, and 6 Bar-tailed Godwit at The Houb of Scatsta.
South Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Rerwick, and 2 Sanderling at West Voe.
5th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 'Northern' Eider in Bluemull Sound.
Yell: Water Rail at Hillend, Mid Yell.
South Mainland: 4 Jack Snipe at Cunningburgh. American Coot still at Spiggie Loch, and American Wigeon still at Hillwell. 14 Little Auk and c200 Guillemot present off Sumburgh Head. Pink-footed Goose at Scatness. Siskin at Sumburgh carpark.
4th January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Water Rail at The Houb, Baltasound. Jackdaw at Nickavord Lea, Chaffinch at Uyeasound.
Yell: Siberian Chiffchaff at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Central Mainland: 2 Jack Snipe, Snipe and Redwing at Burn of Sound, Grey Wagtail by Shetland Hotel, Lerwick.
South Mainland: American Coot still with Eurasian Coot in Setter Marsh bay, Spiggie. Little Auk and Blue Fulmar from The Lookout, Sumburgh Head. 23 Sanderling at Grutness.
3rd January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Foula: Bufflehead in Ham Voe in the morning, before relocating to Mill Loch.
Central Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Da Knowe, Fieldfare at Grostane's, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier over Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Water Rail at Swinister Burn, Sandwick. 3 Chaffinch at South Voxter.
2nd January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Snow Bunting at Colvister. Sparrowhawk at Hillend, Mid Yell. 2 Snow Bunting at Burravoe. Woodcock at Basta, a few Jack Snipe, Fieldfare and Redwing noted around the island too.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk, Woodcock, and Water Rail at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Water Rail at Busta Voe, Brae. Sparrowhawk at Eswick, South Nesting. Yellowhammer in garden at Tingwall. Fieldfare at Ladysmith's Road, Scalloway. 2 Fieldfare at Grostane's, Snow Bunting over Twageo's, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Chaffinch at Cunningsburgh. Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff and 6 Jack Snipe at Quendale. Woodcock and Chaffinch at Sumburgh.
1st January 2025
Bird Sightings:
Foula: Bufflehead continues to stay in the island, today on Mill Loch.
Bressay: 5 Fieldfare at Cullingsbrough.
South Mainland: American Coot at Setter, Spiggie. Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Fleck. American Wigeon still at Hillwell. Iceland Gull at NE Spiggie. 2 Barnacle Geese at Setter.
31st December 2024
Bird Sightings:
No news today. Nature in Shetland wishes everyone a Happy New Year!
30th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 5 Snow Bunting at Aywick.
Foula: Bufflehead on Da Pools o da Gaads.
West Mainland: White-billed Diver seen off Vaila, from the Foula mailboat, along with 29 Little Auk.
South Mainland: American Coot with Eurasian Coot, also 4 Slavonian Grebe and Little Grebe on Spiggie Loch.
Mammal Sightings: Report of Bat Species flying round street lamp in Berry Road, Scalloway.
29th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Fieldfare at Cullivoe.
28th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still at Laxo Ferry Terminal.
South Mainland: American Coot still off Littleness, Loch of Spiggie. American Wigeon still at Hillwell.
27th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Sanderling, 7 Purple Sandpiper and c25 Twite at Norwick. 4 'Northern' Eider and 2 Velvet Scoter at Bluemull Sound.
Yell: 16 Twite at Cullivoe, and Purple Sandpiper at Laxa Burn.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk at Brough.
North Mainland: Grey Plover at Tangwick West Beach.
Central Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still off Laxo. 2 Little Auk at South Nesting Bay, and another at south end of Clift Sound.
West Mainland: 7 Long-tailed Duck at Norby, Sandness.
South Mainland: American Coot still off Littleness, Loch of Spiggie. Merlin at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: 60+ Porpoise in South Nesting Bay.
26th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Woodcock at Daisy Park.
Yell: 2 Snow Bunting at Breckon.
Central Mainland: High count of 6 Goldeneye on Clickimin Loch.
South Mainland: American Coot off the point of Symblisetter, Pintail and Little Grebe on Loch of Spiggie. Pale-bellied Brent and Pink-footed Goose at Fleck. Little Auk in Quendale Bay.
Cetacean Sightings: Dead pilot whale found at Breckon Beach, Yell. Dead Risso's dolphin at Rerwick Beach, South Mainland.
25th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: American Wigeon still at Hillwell.
24th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Bressay: Merlin at Voehead.
South Mainland: Pochard at Hillwell.
23rd December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Foula: Bufflehead on Da Pools o da Gaads. Peregrine and Merlin.
Bressay: Retrospective report of Canada Goose.
Central Mainland: Chaffinch at Grostane, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Watsness.
South Mainland: American Wigeon still at Hillwell. American Coot still opposite Noss junction, and 2 Slavonian Grebe at Loch of Spiggie. 4 Little Auk from Sumburgh Head. Siberian Chiffchaff at West Voe.
22nd December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Foula: Bufflehead on Mill Loch.
Central Mainland: Kumlien's Gull between The Tongues and Ireland. 3 Goosander at Easter Quarff. 7 Long-tailed Duck at Meal Beach, Burra.
West Mainland: Green-winged Teal at Loch of Semblister.
21st December 2024
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: 11 Little Auk past The Lookout, Sumburgh Head.
20th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still east of Laxo. Sparrowhawk at Da Knowe, Lerwick.
South Mainland: American Coot still on Loch of Spiggie. Little Auk found grounded on road near Spiggie.
19th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Foula: Bufflehead still at Ham Voe.
18th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Foula: Bufflehead on the sea off Ham Voe.
Central Mainland: Glaucous Gull at Graven, Sullom. c40 Purple Sandpiper at Fjara, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Pochard, Scaup and 2 Slavonian Grebe at Spiggie. Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull at Boddam. Glaucous and Iceland Gull at Leebitton.
17th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Bressay: 144 Twite at Setter Croft.
Foula: Blue Fulmar, 2 Iceland Gull, 16 Little Auk of note from Foula mailboat return trip to Walls.
Central Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still off Laxo with Common Scoter.
South Mainland: Count of 53 Twite near Sandwick. American Coot still off Littleness, Spiggie Loch. Black-throated Diver at Quendale Bay. Flock of c30 Little Auk seen 2miles south of Sumburgh Head from Good Shepherd.
16th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Foula: Bufflehead still at Ham Voe.
South Mainland: American Coot still NE Spiggie Loch. Peregrine and 2 Little Auk seen from The Lookout, Sumburgh Head. Glaucous Gull at Scatness, and another at Spiggie. 8 Snow Bunting over Dalsetter. 2 Barnacle Geese at Fleck.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin and Minke Whale seen off Sumburgh Head.
15th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland Gull past Westing.
Bressay: Water Rail at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Siskin at Mulla, Voe.
South Mainland: American Coot still NE Spiggie Loch.
14th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland Gull at Westing. Iceland Gull at Uyeasound.
Foula: Bufflehead still at Lunmisheddon.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver at South Nesting Bay. 2 'Northern' type Eider Duck off Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: Blue Fulmar at Scousburgh. Glaucous Gull, and American Coot still NE Spiggie Loch. American Wigeon still, and Pochard, Snow Bunting and 2 Song Thrush at Hillwell.
13th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull past Scolla Wick, Muness, and 7 Snow Bunting along Westing Road. Glaucous Gull at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: Pomarine Skua flying west past Gutcher ferry terminal.
Central Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still east of Laxo Ferry terminal.
South Mainland: American Coot still NE Spiggie Loch.
12th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Red-necked Grebe just off Laxo Ferry Terminal.
South Mainland: American Coot still NE Spiggie Loch.
11th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret east of Halligarth, Baltasound.
Central Mainland: 5 Woodcock, 3 Jackdaw and 3 Chaffinch at Kergord.
South Mainland: American Coot still NE Spiggie Loch.
10th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret below Halligarth, Baltasound.
Bressay: Water Rail and 2 Chaffinch at Voehead.
South Mainland: American Coot still NE Spiggie Loch, plus Pintail, Little Grebe, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Coot. Pochard and Scaup at Brow. American Wigeon still at Hillwell.
9th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 12 Snow Bunting at Westing. 8 Purple Sandpiper at Norwick. Little Egret below Halligarth, Baltasound.
Central Mainland: Pochard at Loch of Houlland, Nesting.
South Mainland: American Coot still NE Spiggie Loch.
8th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret again at the north end of The Houb, Baltasound.
Yell: 2 Purple Sandpiper at Sand, Burravoe.
South Mainland: American Coot still NE Spiggie Loch. Seawatch from The Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced 4 Little Auk, c500 Common Guillemot close in and onshore below.
Cetacean Sightings: Porpoise sightings today - large number at Gulberwick, and the usual large number in South Nesting Bay.
7th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret at The Houb, Baltasound. 3 Common Scoter on Baltasound Voe.
Yell: 'Viking Gull' at Hamnavoe.
Central Mainland: Rose-coloured Starling at St Magnus Street, Lerwick.
South Mainland: American Coot still with Eurasian Cook at NE Spiggie Loch. Blackcap at Toab.
6th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Siberian Chiffchaff at Trolla Water.
Central Mainland: Chiffchaff and 3 Goldeneye at Clickimin.
South Mainland: American Coot still with Eurasian Coot at NE Spiggie Loch. American Wigeon at Hillwell. Siberian Chiffchaff at Virkie. 3 Chiffchaff and Green Sandpiper at Quendale.
5th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret at The Houb, Baltasound.
Central Mainland: Siskin at Mulla, Voe.
South Mainland: American Coot still Spiggie Loch. Seawatch at The Lookout, Sumburgh head produced 31 Little Auk past in 1 hour.
Cetacean Sightings: 27's Pod of Orca were spotted off The Knab in Lerwick, before heading southwards past Quarff, and last being seen past Aith Wick.
4th December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull from Bluemull ferry.
Yell: Female King Eider at North Wick of Sound.
Foula: Bufflehead Duck on Rossie's Loch. 6 Little Auk, 12 Common Guillemot and Sooty Shearwater from the Mail Boat.
South Mainland: American Coot still with Eurasian Coot off Noss Junction, on Spiggie Loch. American Wigeon still on Hillwell. Seawatch at The Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced Little Auk, Iceland Gull, 48 Great Black-backed Gull, and c700 Common Guillemot south. From the Good Shepherd, 7 Little Auk, and a large number of Common Guillemot (a significant proportion in summer plumage).
Cetacean Sightings: 65's Pod of Orca were first seen in Cliftsound, before heading south past St. Ninian's Isle, before later rounding Sumburgh Head, continuing northwards, last seen at Troswick.
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.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whales seen off Muness, Unst 2, Breiwick, Eshaness 1, and Mousa 1.
23rd September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler counts of Shorestation 1, Burrafirth 1, Haroldswick 3, Ordale 1, Valyie 3, on Unst; Hillend 1, Windhouse 2, Cullivoe 2, Gutcher 2, and Camb 1, on Yell; Out Skerries 2; Voehead, Bressay 1; Sandgarth 2; Papil, East Burra 2, Houss 1, New Grunasound Plantation 1, Norbister 1; Burn of Sound 2; Leeans, Mid Walls 1; Mail, Cunningsburgh 1; Swinister Burn 3, Orca Inn 1; Quendale 1, Dalsetter 3, Grutness 2.
Unst: Brambling, Whinchat, Rosefinch and Chiffchaff at Valyie. Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher at Haroldswick. 80 Golden plover and Chiffchaff at Westing.
Yell: Pink-footed Goose at Sellafirth. Spotted Flycatcher at Hillend. Willow Warbler at Camb.
Out Skerries: 3 Red-breasted Flycatcher.
Central Mainland: Whinchat at Houss, Turtle Dove at New Grunasound Plantation, East Burra. Corncrake and Black-tailed Godwit at Tingwall Loch.
South Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Mail, Cunningsburgh. Pied Flycatcher at Cliff Cottage, and Grey Wagtail at Orca Inn, Hoswick. Black-throated Diver at Quendale bay. Tree Pipit at Hillwell. Little Bunting at Boddam. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Grutness. Kestrel at Sumburgh Quarry. Hawfinch over Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whales seen at Ord, Bressay, Levenwick Broch, Sumburgh Head, and Scolla Wick, Muness, Unst. Risso's Dolphin seen at Bressay Light 2, plus unconfirmed sighting off Knab in Lerwick.
21st September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Bluethroat and 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Westing beach. Red-backed Shrike, Pied Flycatcher, 3 Ruff and 2 Yellow-browed Warblers at Uyeasound. Spotted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler at Haroldswick. 2 Barred Warbler 3 Yellow-browed Warbler and Rosefinch at Norwick. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Valyie.
Yell: Yellow-browed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at West Yell. 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Burravoe. Moorhen at Clothan.
Fetlar: Rosefinch, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and 5 Redpoll at Aithness. Hawfinch at The Manse.
Skerries: Red-breasted Flycatcher, 12 Yellow-browed Warbler, Rosefinch, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher and Redwing.
Whalsay: Blyth's Reed Warbler, Barred Warbler, Rosefinch, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler and Perergine.
North Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Hillswick.
Noss: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Reed Warbler, Water Rail, Chiffchaff, 2 Snow bunting, Kestrel and Song Thrush
Central Mainland: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat at Sandgarth. Yellow-browed Warbler at Clickimin, Hawfinch, Burn of Sound, Lerwick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Eswick. 3+ Yellow-browed Warble, Whitethroat and 2 Blackcap at Frakkafield. Yellow-browed Warbler at Gletness. Yellow-browed Warbler at Brough. Yellow-browed Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at Kirkabister. 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Billister. 6 Yellow-browed Warbler at Lunna.
South Mainland: Black Kite around the South end again. Marsh Harrier at Brow Loch. 4 Yellow-browed Warbler at Dalsetter, Boddam. Reed Warbler, Rosefinch, Kestrel and Yellow-browed Warbler at Sumburgh Head. Yellow-browed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Goldcrest, Lesser Whitethroat and Red-breasted Flycatcher at Grutness. Lapland Bunting at Sumburgh Farm. Arctic Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler at Bigton. Yellow-browed Warbler at South Voxter, Cunningsburgh. Yellow-browed Warbler at Stove, Sandwick. Pied Flycatcher at Fladdibister. Yellow-browed Warbler and Garden Warbler at Quendale. Barred Warbler at Hoswick. 4 Yellow-browed Warbler at Swining.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Minke Wahle off Eshaness. Large Cetacean seen breaching with large splashes distantly off Cunningsburgh Cliffs. 1 Minke Mousa Sound.
20th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Yellow-browed Warbler at Cameron Cottage. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Barred Warbler and Rosefinch at Norwick. Yellow-browed Warbler and 6 Greenland Redpoll at Skaw. 3 Yellow-browed Warbler at Burrafirth Shore Station. at Haroldswick.Yellow-browed Warbler
Fetlar: Red-backed Shrike at Gambligarth. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler and Hawfinch at The Manse. Hawfinch at Feal Plantation.
Skerries: Red-breasted Flycatcher, 14 Yellow-browed Warbler and Rosefinch.
Papa Stour: 27 Wigeon, 15 Teal, 2 Grey Heron.
Central Mainland: Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler and 4 Mealy Redpoll at Clickimin. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler and Water Rail at Lunna. Pied Flycatcher at Sandgarth.
South Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler and Barred Warbler at Dalsetter. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Gulberwick. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Sumburgh Hotel. 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Pied Flycatcher and Tree Pipit at Levenwick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Bigton. Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler and Garden Warbler at Quendale. Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler and Garden Warbler at Maywick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Vatsetter. Yellow-browed Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at Hillwell. Red-breasted Flycatcher Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: 8 possible White-beaked Dolphin, 1 Risso's Dolphin off Levenwick. 5 Minke Whales off Muness, Unst. 2 Risso's Dolphin off the Bard of Bressay. 20 Porpoises off Mail Beach. 1 Minke Whale off Watsness. 1 Minke Whale from the Skerries ferry.
22st September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Bluethroat still, Yellow-browed Warbler, Rosefinch and Garden Warbler at Westing. Rosefinch, Lesser Whitethroat, and 2 Blackcaps at Valyie. Goldcrest and Blackcap at Shore Station and Whinchat at the burn, Burrafirth. Kestrel, Barred Warbler and 3 Yellow-browed Warbler at Norwick. Canada Goose at Ordaal. 2 Barred Warbler and 7+ Yellow-browed Warbler at Baltasound. Red-backed Shrike, Pied Flycatcher and 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Uyeasound.
Yell: Grey Wagtail at Burravoe. Minimum of 22 Yellow-browed Warbler in central and north Yell today. Barred Warbler at Gloup.
Skerries: Slavonian Grebe, 2 Red-breasted Flycatcher, 9 Yellow-browed Warbler, Rosefinch, Yellow Wagtail, 3 Lesser Whitethroat.
Foula: Isabelline Shrike
North Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler and Garden Warbler at Isbister, Yellow browed Warbler at Sandvoe, North Roe. Yellow-browed Warbler and Brambling at Collafirth. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Hillswick.
Central Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at Sandgarth. Yellow-browed Warbler at Seafield, Lerwick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Laxo.
West Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher, 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Magpie at Sandness. Yellow-browed Warbler and Hawfinch at Norby. 7 Yellow-browed Warbler at Mid Dale. Bluethroat, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler and Redwing at Dale of Walls. Yellow-browed Warbler at Walls.
South Mainland: Arctic Warbler still, White-tailed Eagle over and 3 Yellow-browed Warbler at Bigton. Black-throated Diver and 2 Slavonian Grebe at Quendale Bay. 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail and 4 Siskin at Hoswick. 5 Yellow-browed Warbler and Barred Warbler at Dalsetter, Little Bunting, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler and Barred Warbler, North Road, Boddam. Yellow-browed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Pink-footed Geese at Toab. Red-breasted Flycatcher and 4 Yellow-browed Warbler at Grutness. Black Kite, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler and 1 Chiffchaff at Geosetter.
Cetacean Sightings: Porpoises at Scord of Scatness, Mousa Sound (5-6), Scousbourgh Bay (2). 7-8 White-beaked Dolphins and 5-6 Risso's Dolphins South of Noss. 3 Minke Whales off Noness and 1 in Mousa Sound. 2 Minke Whale off Muness. 10 Dolphins (unidentified) seen off Fethaland.
18th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Whinchat at Burrafirth. Whinchat at Muness. Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.
Whalsay: 4 Rosefinch, Barred Warbler, 3 Whinchat, Reed Warbler and Pale-bellied Brent Goose.
Central Mainland: Short-eared Owl at Tingwall Airport.
South Mainland: Wryneck, Spotted Flycatcher, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Garden Warbler and 2 Willow Warbler at Quendale. Honey Buzzard briefly and Black Kite around Fitful Head, Quendale and Hillwell. Marsh Harrier at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: At least 1 Risso's Dolphin in Mousa Sound.
19th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler, Goldcrest at Valyie. Greenland Redpoll at Skaw. Yellow-browed Warbler at Daisy Park.
Yell: Pied Flycatcher at Burravoe.
Fetlar: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler and a Willow Warbler at The Manse. Reed Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at Tresta. Barred Warbler and Kestrel at Braeside. Hawfinch at Feal. Willow Warbler at Funzie Willows.
Whalsay: 4 Rosefinch, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, Reed Warbler and Pale-bellied Brent Goose.
Skerries: 4 Yellow-browed Warbler and 2 Bluethroat.
North Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Ollaberry. Pied Flycatcher at Eshaness.
Bressay: Yellow-browed Warbler at Gorie. Wood Warbler at Gardie House.
Central Mainland: Water Rail at Hamnavoe, Lunna.
South Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Hestingott, Exnaboe, Quendale, Dalsetter (3), Levenwick (2), Sumburgh Hotel and Boddam. Barred Warbler at Hoswick. Greenland Redpoll and Barred Warbler at Dalsetter. Spotted Flycatcher, Garden Warbler and Goldcrest at Quendale Mill. Willow Warbler on Mousa. Whinchat, Tree Pipit and Willow Warbler at Sanick. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Clevigarth. White-tailed Eagle South over Levenwick
Cetacean Sightings: 20-30 unidentified Dolphins 15 miles east of Lerwick. 6 Risso's Dolphins off Levenwick Broch. 6 White-beaked Dolphin off Score Point, Bressay. Minke Whales at Haroldswick, Mousa Sound, North of Noss, Hams of Muness (6), Burravoe, Yell (3), The Drongs, Hillswick.
17th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Canada Goose at Houb. Pink-footed Goose at Small Waters. Rosefinch at Baltasound. Whinchat at Muness.
South Mainland: Whinchat at Scatness. 4 Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff at Sanick. Whimbrel at Leebitton.
Cetacean Sightings: 40+ Harbour Porpoises off Mail Beach, Cunningsburgh. Killer Whales reported in Yell Sound. Minke Whale off Haroldswick
15th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Pink-footed Geese at Ungirsta. Rosefinch at Skaw. Glaucous Gull at Burrafirth beach. Pied Flycatcher and Whitethroat at Shorestation. Barred Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and Tree Pipit at Norwick. Pintail and Wigeon at the Houb, Baltasound. Pied Flycatcher at Heritage Centre.
Whalsay: Rosefinch and Pied Flycatcher at Skaw. Pale-bellied Brent Goose still at Houb.
Out Skerries: 2 Rosefinch, Redstart, Garden, and 8 Willow Warbler, Whinchat, 5 Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat, plus Tree Pipit, 4 Snow Bunting and Merlin.
South Mainland: House Martin at Hoswick. Barred Warbler at Dalsetter and at North Town. Wryneck at Quendale. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Hillwell. 3 Pink-footed Geese over Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen at Mousa Sound.
16th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Barred Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Song Thrush and Rosefinch at Valyie. Lapland Bunting at Norwick. 3 Rosefinch at Haroldswick. Rosefinch at Skaw.
Whalsay: Rosefinch and Black-throated Diver at Skaw.
Bressay: Lesser Whitethroat at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Barred Wrabler at Clickimin, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Honey Buzzard at Toab. Garden Warbler and Barred Warbler at Swinister Burn. Pied Flycatcher, Blackcap and Sparrowhawk at Hoswick. Greenland Redpoll, Sparrowhawk and Garden Warbler at Quendale. Wryneck at Clevigarth. Barred Warbler and Redstart at Dalsetter.
Cetacean Sightings: A good day for cetacean sightings. Minke Whales were seen from the Good Shepherd (1), Muness (5+), Mousa sound (5+), Burravoe Yell (1), Skerries (3), Heliness (3). Rissos were seen off Noness (small group), Muness (small group), Mousa sound (3), Skerries (6+). A small pod of White-beaked Dolphins was also seen off Levenwick Cliffs. Porpoise sightings in many places with some larger groups reported.
14th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Pink-footed Geese at Norwick.
Out Skerries: 2 Rosefinch, and Wood Warbler.
South Mainland: Barred Warbler at Swinister Burn. 20+ Sand Martin above Quendale Mill. Grey Plover sound recorded over Toab last night. 28 Mallard and Peregrine in off the sea at Dalsetter. Garden Warbler at Sumburgh Quarry and Grutness garden. Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit at Pool of Virkie.
13th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Pied Flycatcher at Hostel, Uyeasound, and Wigeon at Wester Loch. Snow Bunting at Saxa Vord camp, and Barred Warbler and Pied Flycatcher still at Norwick. Pied Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat at Shorestation. Canada Goose at Houb, Baltasound.
Yell: Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher and Chiffchaff at Hillend, Mid Yell. Whitethroat at Herra.
Out Skerries: Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 5 Wheatear and 2 Swallow.
Bressay: Water Rail at Voehead.
Fetlar: Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler at the Manse. Merlin near the Airfield.
Central Mainland: Barred Warbler at North Staney Hill, Lerwick. Barred Warbler, 2 Brambling and Lesser Whitethroat at Clickimin.
South Mainland: Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher and Whitethroat at Levenwick. Marsh Harrier, Red-breasted, Spotted and Pied Flycatcher at Hillwell. Curlew Sandpiper at Scatness. Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcap at Sumburgh Hotel.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen at Mousa Sound (3). Risso's dolphin seen at Buraland, Mousa Sound and from Levenwick campsite.
12th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Canada Goose at The Houb, Baltasound. Pink-footed Goose at Norwick.
Yell: Whitethroat, 2 Garden and Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Pied Flycatcher and Swallow at Hillend, 2 Chaffinch at Belleview, Mid Yell. 3 Goosander at Laxa Burn.
Whalsay: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Brough.
Bressay: Willow Warbler at Voehead.
Foula: Red-backed Shrike, 5 Rosefinch, Barred, and Reed Warbler, Spotted and Pied Flycatcher, Blackcap, 4 Whinchat and Merlin.
Central Mainland: Tree Pipit at Brae Community Woodland. 8 Knot at Sletts, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher still at Orca Inn, Hoswick. Wryneck at Quendale Mill. Marsh Harrier at Hillwell. Manx Shearwater, Spotted Flycatcher, and Peregrine seen from Sumburgh Head. Pink-footed Goose at Toab.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen from Mousa layby.
11th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Pied Flycatcher at Hillend, Sparrowhawk at Windhouse. Kestrel and Barnacle Goose at Basta. Pied Flycatcher at Sound, West Yell. Black-tailed Godwit at Kirk Loch, and 2 at Gloup, Cullivoe.
Whalsay: Peregrine at Skaw.
Bressay: 2 Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher at Voehead.
Foula: 5 Rosefinch, Barred, Reed and Garden Warbler, 2 Whinchat, Dunnock, 5 Redpoll, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher.
North Mainland: Seawatch at Eshaness produced 2 Sooty Shearwater between 1030-12noon.
West Mainland: 25 Goosander off The Nev, in Tresta Voe.
South Mainland: 2 Red-breasted Flycatcher at Orca Inn, Hoswick. Wood Warbler and Whinchat at Levenwick. Pale-bellied Brent Goose at north end of Spiggie Loch. Sparrowhawk at Brow Marsh. Barred Warbler at Sumburgh Farm. Seawatch at Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced 12 Great Skua and 2 Puffin between 6-7am. 23 Pink-footed Geese over, Spotted Flycatcher Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen in Mousa Sound.
10th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Pied Flycatcher and 2 Willow Warbler at Valyie. Swallow at Northdale.
Yell: 3 Black-tailed Godwit at Breckon.
Foula: 4 Rosefinch, Whinchat, and Pied Flycatcher, plus 200 Pink-footed Geese overhead.
West Mainland: 120 Pink-footed Geese over Vaila.
Cetacean Sightings: 6 Common Dolphin seen from Good Shepherd 2 miles south of Sumburgh Head. Minke Whale seen at Bressay/Noss (2), and Noness (1) Risso's Dolphin off Mousa (3), Noss (1), and Noness (6). 6 White-beaked Dolphin off Levenwick. Possible Humpback off Noness.
Insect Sightings: The Sallow and Brindled Ochre moths caught in West Burrafirth. A Turnip moth was caught at Boddam.
9th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Pied Flycatcher at Ordaal, Baltasound.
Yell: Pied Flycatcher, Common Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, White Wagtail, Blackcap and Chiffchaff at Hillend, Mid Yell. Pied Flycatcher and Willow Warbler at Windhouse.
Fetlar: Whinchat at Aithness.
Central Mainland: Merlin at Dales Lees. 13 Goosander at Weisdale Voe, and 140 Rook at Cott. Barred, Wood, Garden, and Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap and 3 House Martin at Clickimin.
West Mainland: 2 Whinchat and Magpie at Sandness.
South Mainland: Barred, and Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Wheatear and 10 Swallow at Sumburgh Hotel. Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher at Sumburgh Farm. Spotted Flycatcher at Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: 4-6 Common Dolphin seen from Good Shepherd 2 miles south of Sumburgh Head. Minke Whale seen at south side of Bressay/Noss (2), and at Noness (1). Risso's dolphin seen off Noss (1), south tip of Mousa (3), and 5 seen south of Noness and Levenwick. 6 White-beaked Dolphin seen from Noness, Sandwick. Possible Humpback Whale seen off Noness, Sandwick.
8th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Whinchat and Garden Warbler at Burrafirth, and Peregrine over Hermaness car park.
Yell: Merlin at Hillend, Mid Yell. Barnacle Goose in off Basta.
Out Skerries: Red-backed Shrike, 4 Garden and 15 Willow Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Blackcap, Chiffchaff, 6 Whinchat, 2 Common Redstart, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Swallow, Kestrel, Common Sandpiper and Ruff on the island today.
Foula: Redwing, Rosefinch, 2 Garden, and Willow Warbler and Common Whitethroat on the island.
Bressay: Garden Warbler at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Barred Warbler at South Staney Hill, Sound.
South Mainland: Barred Warbler at Levenwick. Greenshank, 3 Knot and Moorhen at Boddam Voe. Marsh Harrier, Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Garden Warbler at Geosetter. Barred Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Blackcap and Willow Warbler at Dalsetter. Marsh Harrier at Brow Marsh. Barred Warbler at Sumburgh Farm. Spotted Flycatcher at Sumburgh Hotel. Garden Warbler at Sumburgh Quarry. 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen at Mousa Sound (2), and Risso's dolphin also at Mousa Sound (8).
Insect Sightings: Convolvulus Hawkmoth are still about, with 2 on Foula, 1 at Mulla, Voe, and 1 on Out Skerries.
7th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: White-billed Diver and 3 Sooty Shearwater past Skaw. 2 Blyth's Reed Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and 7 Swallow at Valyie. Common Whitethroat, Garden and Willow Warbler at Shorestation.
Fetlar: Red-backed Shrike at Funzie Willows.
Bressay: 5 Ruff by Speldiburn Cafe. Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and 2 Blackcap at Gorie. Greenshank at Loch of Grimsetter.
Central Mainland: 2 Quail heard over South Nesting (Nocmig). Barred Warbler, Siskin and Redpoll at Clickimin.
South Mainland: Willow Warbler in full song at Brakefield Rd, and Barred Warbler at Sandwick. Wryneck at Quendale. Adult and presumed first winter Black-throated Diver in Quendale bay. Barred Warbler at Dalsetter. Whinchat, and Spotted Flycatcher at Sumburgh Quarry and another Spotted Flycatcher at Sumburgh Head. Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Willow , Garden and Barred Warbler, plus 5 Wheatear and 10 Swallow, at Sumburgh Hotel. Barred and Willow Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Goldcrest and Blackcap at Dalsetter. Blackcap at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen at Skaw (4), east of Clibberswick (1), Ollaberry (1), St Magnus Bay (1), Bousta, Sandness (3), and Levenwick (1). Humpback Whale seen from Papa Stour ferry (1), and point of Skeld. Super pod of Common Dolphin seen northeast of Mousa, and later in evening, a large pod seen at Vasso Voe, South Nesting. Risso's dolphin seen off Lambhoga, Fetlar (12+), and east side of Haroldswick bay (2).
Insect Sightings: Migrant Birch Shield Bugs were caught in two locations last night, Fogrigarth in West Burrafirth, and Brakefield Road, Sandwick. The Sallow moth caught in Sandwick.
6th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Barred Warbler at Shorestation. Blyth's Reed Warbler, Hawfinch, Pied Flycatcher, Robin and Blackcap at Valyie. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Balliasta. Canada Goose still in Baltasound voe.
Yell: Barred, Garden and Willow Warbler, and Pied Flycatcher at Gutcher. Greenshank at Wick of North Garth. Willow Warbler at Cullivoe marina.
Out Skerries: Barred, 2 Garden, 15 Willow Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, 5 Whinchat, 2 Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, Redpoll, Chiffchaff, Merlin and Kestrel.
Central Mainland: 2 Blackcap at Girlsta.
South Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher at Swinister Burn, Sandwick. Lesser Whitethroat and Kestrel at Quendale.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin from Out Skerries ferry (1), and near Mangaster (5). Minke Whale seen in Haroldswick (1), east of Quarff (1), off tip of Helliness (1), Mousa Sound (1), and off Bressay (1). 20 unidentified dolphin off Fitful Head. Humpback Whale seen off Noness, Sandwick and off Hildasay, Scalloway.
Insect Sightings: Least Yellow Underwing caught at Bakkasetter last night.
5th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Blyth's Reed Warbler at Valyie. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Balliasta.
Yell: Pied Flycatcher and Garden Warbler at Gutcher.
Bressay: Willow Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and Tree Pipit at Gorie.
Central Mainland: 2 Stonechat at South Nesting.
South Mainland: Marsh Harrier and Spotted Flycatcher at Hillwell. Peregrine over Geosetter.
Cetacean Sightings: Humpback Whale seen South Mousa (1), and east of Sumburgh Head (1). Minke Whale seen South Mousa (2), Haroldswick (3), and Norwick (2). 20-30 White-sided dolphin off Haroldswick.
Insect Sightings: Another The Delicate moth, this time caught in Sandwick. Convolvulus Hawkmoth continue to be found, with a specimen found in the sea on the Bressay side of Noss Sound. Peacock butterfly and 2 Convolvulus Hawkmoth on Foula. Emergence of Angleshades moths too noted.
4th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Blyth's Reed Warbler at Valyie burn.
Yell: Barred Warbler at Gutcher. Barred Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at Hillend, Mid Yell. 7 Sooty Shearwater between noon and 4pm north of Yell Sound.
Fetlar: Redstart and Whinchat at Funzie Willows.
Whalsay: Arctic Warbler at Skaw plantation.
Bressay: Pied Flycatcher and Willow Warbler at Voehead. Wryneck, Barred and Garden Warbler, Redstart, Tree Pipit and 2 Pied Flycatcher at Gorie.
North Mainland: Pied Flycatcher and Garden Warbler at North Roe.
Central Mainland: Pied Flycatcher at Helendale, 30+ Redpoll and 5 Siskin at Clickimin Loch. Sedge Warbler at Grostane.
South Mainland: Willow Warbler at Ocraquoy. Pied Flycatcher and 2 Garden Warbler at Orca Inn, Hoswick. Marsh Harrier at Quendale, and then Hillwell. Black-throated Diver at Quendale bay. Greenish Warbler at Toab. Pied Flycatcher and Red-backed Shrike at Dalsetter.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale reported at Haroldswick (1), Cradle of Holm, Noss (1), east of the Bard of Bressay (6+), and Noness, Levenwick (7). Risso's dolphin reported SE of Fair Isle (2 groups of 2), Levenwick (7), and west of St Ninian's Isle (1). 15 Common dolphin reported off Foula.
Insect Sightings: Peacock butterfly at Hillend, Mid Yell. Migrant moth's continue to be seen overnight with Foula scoring the 3rd record of Delicate, plus 2 Convolvulus Hawkmoth. The Flower park in Lerwick is heaving with hoverflies and bee species, including the rarely recorded, Helophilus trivittatus hoverfly.
3rd September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Corncrake, Icterine Warbler, and Arctic Warbler at Burrafirth Burn. Red-breasted Flycatcher and Hawfinch at Valyie. 2 Greenshank at Ordaal, Baltasound.
Yell: Pied Flycatcher at Gutcher. Barred, and Garden Warbler and Pied Flycatcher, plus 8 Redpoll at Mid Yell. Garden Warbler at Cullivoe.
Noss: Wryneck, Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat on the island.
Whalsay: 2 Redstart, Garden, Barred and 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Whinchat and Wryneck at Skaw. Spotted Flycatcher at Isbister.
Bressay: Wryneck near Uphouse.
Foula: Corncrake at Ham.
North Mainland: Marsh Harrier at Hillswick.
Central Mainland: Redpoll and Willow Warbler at Grostane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Greenish Warbler at Toab. Swift at Spiggie. Garden Warbler at Sumburgh Quarry. Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Sumburgh Hotel.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen at Haroldswick (1).
Insect Sightings: Convolvulus Hawkmoth feeding on honeysuckle in Foula tonight, and last night, at Wiltrow in Boddam, a Delicate moth was trapped, only the 2nd record for Shetland!
2nd September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Whinchat at Skaw. Pied Flycatcher and 2 Willow Warbler at Burrafirth burn, Willow Warbler also at Shore Station. Barred Warbler at Halligarth. Pied Flycatcher at Valyie.
Yell: 6 Grey Heron at Mid Yell Voe, Ruff with 100 Golden Plover at West Sandwick.
Bressay: Icterine Warbler and 2 Pied Flycatcher at Gorie.
Foula: Black-headed Bunting on the island.
South Mainland: Garden Warbler at Ocraquoy. Barred Warbler at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Seawatch at Lookout, Sumburgh Head over 2 hours produced 7 Sooty and Manx Shearwater, plus a Puffin. 2 Sooty Shearwater south past Sumburgh Head carpark, Pied Flycatcher, Barred Warbler and 20 Twite at Sumburgh Head. Pied Flycatcher in Sumburgh Quarry. Greenish Warbler at Toab, and Barred Warbler and 2 Pied Flycatcher at Exnaboe. Red-backed Shrike at Dalsetter. Icterine Warbler at Hillwell. Wood Warbler, Whinchat, Willow Warbler at Quendale, with Peregrine along at Garth's Bank.
Cetacean Sightings: 10 White-beaked dolphin from Lookout, Sumburgh Head. 3 Common Dolphin from Foula Ferry.
Insect Sightings: 2 The Sallow moths seen at South Nesting last night.
1st September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenish Warbler and Common Rosefinch at Valyie. Icterine Warbler at Burrafirth. 400+ Golden Plover at Clivoclast.
Out Skerries: 2 Common Rosefinch, Ruff, Reed Bunting, Sedge and 15 Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Winchat, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Swift, 4 Swallows, Garden Warbler and 2 Tree Pipits, plus Manx Shearwater from the ferry.
Whalsay: Robin at Marrister.
Bressay: 2 Willow Warbler at Voehead. Ruff at Leiraness.
Fetlar: Wryneck at Aith. Pied Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat at Aithness. Pied Flycatcher at Funzie Willows.
Foula: Black-headed Bunting on the island.
North Mainland: 14 Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Greenshank at Loch of Housetter, North Mavine.
Central Mainland: Greenshank at Pullar's Loch.
South Mainland: Common Rosefinch at Orca Hotel at Hoswick. Icterine and Barred Warbler at Bakkasetter, and Wryneck in a garden on West Side of Spiggie. 2 Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Sedge and Willow Warbler at Geosetter. Wood Sandpiper at Loch of Huesbreck. Wood Sandpiper, Pied Flycatcher and Wryneck at Hillwell. Barred Warbler, and Pied Flycatcher at Sumburgh Head, also Pied Flycatcher at Grutness, and Sumburgh Farm. Redstart and Willow Warbler at Sumburgh Trees. Sooty Shearwater close in off Sumburgh Head lower carpark. Sandwich Tern over Scord beach.
Cetacean Sightings: 12-20 Common Dolphin seen from boat returning from trip out to Muckle Ossa.
Insect Sightings: Convolvulus Hawkmoth on Out Skerries.
31st August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenish Warbler at Valyie. Peregrine over Skaw. Canada Goose at Baltasound.
Yell: Willow Warbler at Sellafirth.
Whalsay: Willow Warbler, Whinchat and Common Rosefinch at Skaw.
Bressay: Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit and Merlin at Gorie. Greenshank at Loch of Grimsetter.
Foula: Black-headed Bunting on the island, and 2 Sooty Shearwater from the ferry.
South Mainland: Red-backed Shrike at Bakkasetter. Movement of C800 meadow pipit over Dalsetter first thing. Pied Flycatcher, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler at Geosetter. 18 Ruff at Quendale. 120 Meadow Pipit, 75 Wheatear, Willow Warbler and Sparrowhawk at Sumburgh.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale off Noss (1) while 3 were seen later. Dolphin unidentified off Skerries Of Skea.
30th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenish Warbler at Valyie. Common Rosefinch at Holsens Road, Whinchat and Garden Warbler at Skaw. Canada Goose, Greenshank, and 3 Black-tailed Godwit at Ordaal, Baltasound.
Yell: Merlin at Mid Yell junction and Icterine at Gutcher.
Out Skerries: Barred, Garden, Sedge, and 6 Willow Warbler, plus Chiffchaff, Common Rosefinch and 3 Whinchat on the island.
Bressay: Barred, Wood and 2 Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, 2 Tree Pipit, Pied Flycatcher, Sand Martin and Sparrowhawk at Gorie.
Foula: Black-headed Bunting on the island.
Central Mainland: Garden and Willow Warbler at Veensgarth/Gott.
South Mainland: Reed Warbler at Hoswick Burn. Willow Warbler at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Wood Warbler, 2 Greenshank and 10 Ruff at Quendale. Greenshank at Hillwell. Pied Flycatcher, Sparrowhawk and 2 Willow Warbler at Geosetter. Wood Warbler and Reed Bunting at north road, Boddam. Barred Warbler, and House Martin around Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin (5) seen of Haroldswick, Unst, Skaw, Whalsay (3), and off Scord Point, Bressay (3). Minke Whales spotted at Haroldswick (2), Noss (1), Noness (1), Mousa Sound (5)
Insect Sightings: Peacock butterfly at Grutness.
29th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Barred Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, 2 Willow and Garden Warbler, and Common Whitethroat at Valyie. Juvenile Moorhen at Haroldswick Mires. Greenshank over and 4 Knot at Baltasound.
Bressay: Barred, Wood and Willow Warbler, Greenshank and 3 Swallow flew south, at Gorie. Bar-tailed and 3 Black-tailed Godwit at Mail.
Whalsay: Whinchat at Skaw and Barred Warbler at Marrister.
Foula: Black-headed Bunting on the island.
Fetlar: Hobby flew north from Tresta. Lesser Whitethroat at Aithness.
South Mainland: Redpoll at South Voxter, Cunningsburgh. Kestrel over Clumlie. Willow Warbler at Maywick. Wood Warbler at Quendale Mill. Pintail at Hillwell. 2 Barred Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler between Sumburgh farm and quarry. Icterine Warbler at Exnaboe.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca spotted off Sumburgh Lighthouse. Minke Whale at Mousa Sound (2).
28th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Pied Flycatcher at Norwick.
Out Skerries: Common Swift over the island.
Bressay: Barred Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and Common Whitethroat at Gorie.
Foula: Black-headed Bunting, Common Rosefinch (2), Barred, Reed, Garden and 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Sand Martin on the island.
Fetlar: Whinchat at Aithness.
Whalsay: Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, and Common Whitethroat at Skaw, and Pied Flycatcher at Marrister.
South Mainland: Peregrine at Hillwell. Sea-watch at Lookout, Sumburgh head, produced 6 Sooty and 2 Manx Shearwater between 6:30am and 7:30am. Also there, Peregrine, Merlin and 2 Whimbrel. 1 Manx Shearwater from the Good Shepherd. Garden and Willow Warbler, and 2 Sand Martin at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: 3 Risso's dolphin seen from Lookout, Sumburgh Head.
27th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kestrel near Hagdale.
Out Skerries: Lesser Whitethroat and Chaffinch, on the island.
Whalsay: Willow Warbler at Skaw.
Bressay: Barred Warbler at Gorie. Sea-watch off Loder Head, produced 3 Sooty and Manx Shearwater between 1:15pm and 3:15pm.
Foula: Black-headed Bunting still on the island.
Central Mainland: Rose-coloured Starling at Cockatoo Brae, Lerwick. Notable 101+ Black Guillemot in Bressay Sound off Victoria Pier.
South Mainland: Merlin at Hoswick. Sea-watch from Lookout, Sumburgh Head, produced 19 Sooty, and 12 Manx Shearwater, plus 3 Storm Petrel between 06:15am and 12:15noon.
26th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Hawfinch at Valyie.
Yell: Merlin at West Yell.
West Mainland: 3 Goosander at West Burrafirth Voe.
Bressay: Barred Warbler at Gorie.
Foula: Black-headed Bunting on the island.
Whalsay: Little Stint at Skaw. Marsh Harrier at Challister.
South Mainland: Common Swift at Compass Head. 68 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Ruff at Spiggie. Sabine's Gull seen 10miles ESE of Fair Isle.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin near Hoo Stack, and a Minke Whale north of Noss. Report of a pod of Bottle-nosed Dolphin off Whalsay.
24th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Hawfinch at Valyie. 3 Sand Martin and a Swallow at Skaw.
Bressay: Wood Warbler and Sand Martin at Gorie.
South Mainland: Willow Warbler at Geosetter. 3 Sooty Shearwaters seen from the Northlink ferry past Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Report of the Bottle-Nosed Dolphins going South at speed past Burravoe.
25th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Whooper Swan at Loch of Snarravoe.
Yell: 2 Ruff at West Sandwick.
North Mainland: 4 Black-tailed Godwit at Eshaness.
Bressay: Barred Warbler, Merlin and Sand Martin at Gorie.
South Mainland: Greenshank, 39 Black-tailed Godwit and 6 Ruff at Spiggie. Gadwall at Hillwell. 15 Sooty Shearwater and 8 Manx Shearwater South past the Lookout at Sumburgh Head. Marsh Harrier at Boddam.
21th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Ring-necked Duck at Dam Loch, Uyeasound. Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Valyie.
South Mainland: 66 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Ruff at Loch of Spiggie.
Cetacean Sightings: c30 Bottle-nosed Dolphins moved West from Uyeasound to Bluemull Sound, the 2nd inshore record for Shetland.
22th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: 87 Black-tailed Godwits at Loch of Spiggie. 24 Manx Shearwater, 19 Sooty Shearwater and 5 European Storm Petrel past the Lookout at Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: c20 Bottle-nosed Dolphins in Dales Voe (Toft).
23th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Skerries: Red-backed Shrike, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Redpoll, 3 Sand Martin and 15 Swallows.
Foula: Sabine's Gull, adult 2 miles off Foula from the mail boat. Barred Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.
Bressay: Blyth's Reed Warbler Noss Sound.
South Mainland: 31 Black-tailed Godwits at Sumburgh Farm. 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, Grey Plover, Whimbrel and Little Stint at Pool of Virkie. Peregrine Falcon at Spiggie. Red-necked Phalarope at Bakkasetter. Common Rosefinch at Wiltrow, Boddam.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale north of Bressay. Small group of Risso's Dolphins north of Noss. 2 Minke Whales south past Sumburgh. Risso's pod through Mousa Sound.
18th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 34 Black-tailed Godwit Baltasound. 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 10 Ruff and Knot east of Uyeasound.
North Mainland: Seawatch at Eshaness produced 24 Manx and 5 Sooty Shearwater from 8:10am to 10:40am.
Central Mainland: Sabine's Gull over Clickimin loch this evening. 20 Whooper and 14 Mute at Loch of Benston.
Out Skerries: Willow Warbler, 12 White Wagtail, 10 Swallow, 40 Curlew, 2 Arctic Skuas, and Chaffinch on the island.
Whalsay: 2 Knot and Sanderling at Skaw.
Noss: Willow Warbler on the island.
South Mainland: Lesser Grey Shrike still at Channerwick. 8 Pied Wagtail in garden at Levenwick. Willow Warbler and Blackcap at Geosetter. 28 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 5 Knot along with 12 Ringed Plover, 16 Redshank and 9 Lapwing at Setter, Spiggie. Swift at Grutness. Little Stint and 19 Black-tailed Godwit at Pool of Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale from Northlink ferry near Bressay.
19th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
A record day for large Shearwaters in Shetland waters with many people enjoying Great Shearwaters passing Sumburgh Head and a flock of 10+ off a boat east of Unst!
Unst: 10+ Great Shearwaters 3 miles East of Haroldswick Head around a fishing boat. Canada Goose west of Ordaal. Kestrel at Valyie. 28 Black-tailed Godwits and 7 Knot at Norwick. 800+ Golden Plover, 13 Ruff and 6 Black-tailed Godwits at Uyeasound.
Bressay: Bar-tailed Godwit at Voe of Leiraness.
South Mainland: 2 Corys Shearwater, 56 Great Shearwater, 28 Sooty Shearwater and 19 Manx Shearwater from the Lookout at Sumburgh Head. 1 Great Shearwater and 2 Sooty Shearwater also seen off Mousa, Lesser Grey Shrike still at Channerwick.
Cetacean Sightings: 4-5 Orca were seen from the Whalsay Ferry past Hunder Holm. An unidentified baleen whale was seen from a boat east of Dunrossness. A Basking Shark and 6+ Porpoise were seen off Sumburgh Head.
20th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Good sea watching from the Lookout at Sumburgh Head continued with more Great Shearwaters passing throughout the day.
Unst: 3 Great Shearwaters and 10+ Sooty Shearwaters 3 miles East of Unst.
North Mainland: 2 Sooty Shearwaters past Eshaness and 1 Ruff at Heogland.
South Mainland: 32 Great Shearwater, 15 Sooty Shearwater and 20 Manx Shearwater from the Lookout at Sumburgh Head. 53 Black-tailed Godwits at Loch of Spiggie. 1 Swift at Grutness. Tree Pipit and Black-throated Diver (for 6 weeks now) at Quendale. Marsh Warbler and 15 White-wagtail were at Toab yesterday.
Lesser Grey Shrike still at Channerwick.
17th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Black-tailed Godwit at Uyeasound (3), and Muness (22). 19 Ruff on east side of Easting Road. Ruff and Knot at Houb of Baltasound. Sanderling at Skaw (40) and Norwick (30).
Yell: Bar-tailed Godwit at Gloup, and Merlin again at Gutcher.
North Mainland: Seawatch off Eshaness produced 141 Manx and 8 Sooty Shearwater, plus 1 Storm Petrel from 8am-11:30am, with another 24 Manx and 2 Sooty Shearwater from 12:45-13:45.
West Mainland: Seawatch off Watsness produced 4 Manx and 1 Sooty Shearwater from 12:45-15:00.
South Mainland: Lesser Grey Shrike still at Channerwick. Single Manx Shearwater off Mousa. 34 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot and Ruff at Setter, Spiggie. 14 Black-tailed Godwit at Quendale. Seawatch off Sumburgh produced 12 Manx and 3 Sooty Shearwater from 8am-10:15am. With a further 2 Manx and 1 Sooty Shearwater, plus 15 Black-tailed Godwit north from 3:25pm-4:30pm. Peregrine of Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: 3 Dolphin heading south off Dalsetter.
Fish Sightings: Porbeagle Shark off vessel out of Scalloway yesterday.
16th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Merlin at Gutcher.
South Mainland: Lesser Grey Shrike still at Channerwick. 9 Bar-tailed Godwit at Pool of Virkie, and 31 Black-tailed Godwit at Spiggie. Seawatch off Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced 104 Manx, 12 Sooty Shearwater and 2 Storm Petrels from 7:15am to 5:50pm.
15th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Ruff at Ordale, and 4 Ruff at Easting junction.
Yell: Wood Warbler at Belleview, Mid Yell.
Central Mainland: 2 Black-tailed Godwit at the Houb of Scatsta. Colour-ringed Sparrowhawk at Kalliness, Weisdale.
South Mainland: Lesser Grey Shrike at Channerwick. 2 Green Sandpiper at Loch of Heusbreck, near Fleck. Seawatch off Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced Balearic Shearwater, 31 Manx, and 13 Sooty Shearwater from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
Cetacean Sightings: 4 White-sided Dolphins seen from Northlink Ferry.
14th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kestrel at Haroldswick. Marsh Warbler at Valyie, Norwick. 2 Black-tailed Godwit at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Foula: Wood Sandpiper and Common Swift at Shoadals.
Central Mainland: Wood Sandpiper at Kirkhouse Loch, Vidlin. Ruff at Min Beach, Burra. Wood Warbler at Kergord.
South Mainland: Lesser Grey Shrike at Channerwick. Willow Warbler at Dalsetter.
Fish Sightings: Basking Shark off east side of Sumburgh Head.
13th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Fieldfare and 3 Willow Warbler at Burrafirth. 4 Ruff and 230 Curlew at Uyeasound, and Willow Warbler at Baltasound. Canada Goose at Ordaal, Baltasound.
Out Skerries: 40+ Curlew, 4 Swallow, White Wagtail and Chaffinch on the island.
Foula: Wood Sandpiper at Shoadals.
South Mainland: Lesser Grey Shrike at Channerwick. Tree Sparrow and Willow Warbler at Quendale. Curlew Sandpiper at Scatness.
Cetacean Sightings: Lone Orca seen north of Cullivoe pier. Basking Shark off Cunningsburgh.
12th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Ruff in field east of Uyeasound.
Yell: Short-eared Owl at Gossabrough.
Whalsay: Greenshank at Skaw.
South Mainland: Common Swift at Spiggie. Seawatch at Sumburgh Head produced 16 Sooty, and 8 Manx Shearwater and 2 Storm Petrels between 7am and 5:30pm.
Cetacean Sightings: White-beaked dolphins again off Sumburgh Head.
11th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Manx and Sooty Shearwaters north past Skaw.
Yell: Merlin at Cullivoe.
West Mainland: Canada Goose not seen since 9th August at Fogrigarth, West Burrafirth.
Central Mainland: Marsh Harrier and Short-eared Owl over South Voxter.
South Mainland: Marsh Harrier at Levenwick. 6 juvenile Linnet at Dalsetter, with Marsh Harrier over. Curlew Sandpiper at Virkie. Hobby north over Bay of Quendale.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin sighted at Haroldswick, Unst and the east side of Sumburgh Head. White-beaked dolphin off Noss. Minke Whale seen off Haroldswick, Unst.
Insect Sightings: 2 Peacock Butterflies at Skaw, Unst. Bedstraw Hawkmoth and Rush Veneer found in Foula.
10th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenshank on pool opposite Gunnister.
Yell: Glaucous Gull still at Vatsetter. Merlin at Gutcher.
North Mainland: Seawatch at Eshaness produced 30 Manx and 4 Sooty Shearwater between 8:30am and 1:30pm.
Central Mainland: Merlin at Black Gaet.
South Mainland: Curlew Sandpiper at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: Small group of White-beaked dolphin off Eshaness.
9th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Sparrowhawk and Merlin at Mid Yell.
West Mainland: In cut fields near to Bixter cemetery, 250 Golden Plover and 2 Ruff.
South Mainland: Ruff at Virkie. Wood Sandpiper at Setter, Spiggie.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale at South Nesting Bay.
8th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Seawatch off north Unst produced Sooty Shearwater and 6 Storm Petrel between 10am and 1pm.
Yell: Glaucous Gull still at Vatsetter.
North Mainland: Seawatch at Eshaness produced 39 Manx and 4 Sooty Shearwater between 10:15am and 12:30.
South Mainland: Seawatch at Sumburgh Head produced 10 Manx and 2 Sooty Shearwater between 5:30am and 8:45am.
Cetacean Sightings: 2+ White-beaked Dolphin off Eshaness lighthouse. 2+ Risso's Dolphin off the Kame of Isbister.
Insect Sightings: Double-stiped Pug caught at Wiltrow, Boddam, only the 6th record for Shetland.
6th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 20 Sanderling at Brekon. Ruff at West Sandwick, and Merlin at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Foula: Barred Warbler and Green Sandpiper still at Ham.
West Mainland:
South Mainland: 4 Redpoll at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Quail singing at Bakkasetter.
Cetacean Sightings: 3-4 Orca (64's pod) picked up from Lookout, Sumburgh Head, before heading quickly up the east side of Shetland, last seen heading through Lerwick harbour, continuing to head northwards.
7th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenshank and Bar-tailed Godwit at the Houb, at Baltasound. Kestrel over Final Checkout. 3 Arctic Skua at Valyie.
Yell: A deceased Great Grey Shrike was found in west Yell.
Whalsay: Cuckoo at Marrister.
South Mainland: Sooty Shearwater seen from east of Sumburgh Head, with counts of 5 Manx and 5 Sooty past Lookout at 15:30-17:30. Further 2 Sooty Shearwater seen following Northlink, and off south mainland. Cuckoo at Longfield, Brow.
Insect Sightings: Honeysuckle Moth (Ypsolopha dentally) was spotted near Castle Street, Scalloway.
5th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Wood Warbler still at Cullivoe.
Foula: Barred Warbler and Green Sandpiper at Ham.
South Mainland: Seawatch off Lookout, Sumburgh Head between 06:30-11:30 counts of 12 Sooty, 6 Manx Shearwater and 5 Storm Petrel. And later, between 15:30-19:00 counts of 11 Sooty Shearwater. Green Sandpiper at Quendale.
Cetacean Sightings: 15-20 White-beaked Dolphin south, and 3 Risso's Dolphin north, past Lookout, Sumburgh Head.
4th August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Merlin at head of Whalfirth. Glaucous Gull off Vatsetter.
Out Skerries: 1 Garden Warbler, 6 Swallow and 55 Curlew on the island.
Foula: Garden Warbler and Green Sandpiper at Ham.
South Mainland: Greenshank and Sandwich Tern at Quendale. Quail in between Hillwell and Quendale.
Cetacean Sightings: 5+ White-beaked dolphin north of Out Skerries. 6+ Risso's dolphin in South Nesting Bay.
3rd August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Long-eared Owl and Garden Warbler at Norwick.
Yell: Wood Warbler at Cullivoe. Glaucous Gull at Vatsetter, relocated from Uyeasound, Unst.
Foula: Evidence of migration as 6 Grey Heron arrive on the island.
South Mainland: Cuckoo at Dalsetter. Quail singing again, plus Cuckoo and Blackcap at Bakkasetter.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin seen off Muckle Flugga (5+). 2 Orca north of Noss. Pod of 5-6 Orca reported in Dales Voe, heading south.
Insect Sightings: Trapped on a boat in Lerwick harbour, Eistalinus aeneus, a hoverfly, 1st record for Shetland!
2nd August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Turtle Dove at Gutcher.
West Mainland: Canada Goose settled at Fogrigarth, West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Marsh Harrier over the north end of Spiggie Loch. Quail at Bakkasetter.
1st August 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Green Sandpiper at SouthEast, Mid Yell.
Foula: Possible Marsh Warbler at Ham.
West Mainland: Summering Goosander flock of 14 still in Weisdale Voe. Canada Goose still at Fogrigarth, West Burrafirth.
Central Mainland: 3 Sandwich Terns through Lerwick Harbour.
South Mainland: Greenshank and Quail at Bakkasetter.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin seen at east side of Noss (1), South Nesting Bay (3). 5 White-beaked dolphin seen 5 miles north of Fair Isle from Good Shepherd. Minke Whale feeding off the Horse of Burravoe, Scatness. Fish sighting - Bluefin Tuna spotted in East Voe, Scalloway.
31st July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Whalsay: Black-throated Diver at Flukings Bight. Common Scoter off Kirk Beach, Brough. Common Sandpiper at East Loch of Skaw.
Central Mainland: Blackcap singing at Sandgarth, Dale. Honey Buzzard over Gulberwick.
West Mainland: Canada Goose still present at Fogrigarth, West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Ruff at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin seen at Symbister Whalsay (8-10). 2 pods of unidentified dolphins from Houbie in Fetlar.
Insect Sightings: Oleander Hawkmoth photographed in a garden in Bressay, 4th record in Shetland. Micro moth Zeiraphera isertana caught in Law Lane, Lerwick, and the 3rd record in Shetland.
30th July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Common Swift past Muness.
Yell: Merlin at Cullivoe, and 4 Sand Martin at Kirk Loch.
West Mainland: Canada Goose still at Fogrigarth, West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Green Sandpiper at Boddam Voe.
29th July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Merlin at Baltasound.
Out Skerries: Chaffinch on the island.
West Mainland: Canada Goose at Fogrigarth, West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Common Swift over Sumburgh Head. Quail singing at Bakkasetter.
Cetacean Sightings: 6 Risso's dolphin seen from old ferry terminal in Fetlar.
Insect Sightings: Double-striped Pug Moth caught at Voehead, Bressay was first for the site, and only the second away from Fair Isle.
28th July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Common Swift north over Uyeasound.
West Mainland: 2 Great Northern Diver at Kellister, West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Quail singing at Bakkasetter.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin see of Score Point, Bressay (1), and in South Nesting Bay (6). Minke Whale just off Mousa.
Insect Sightings:
27th July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Wood Pigeon with brood of 2, Redpoll with fledged young at Hillend, Mid Yell. 5 Sanderling at Breckon.
South Mainland: Juvenile Cuckoo at Hillwell. Quail at Bakkasetter. 24 Bar-tailed Godwit and 15 Whimbrel over at Pool of Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale off Ord, Bressay. Risso's dolphin seen at Fethaland (3), Bressay (1), and a pod of unidentified dolphin between Kirkabister and Ness of Sound.
Insect Sightings: Mother of Pearl moth at Bakkasetter, South Mainland. Manchester Treble-bar and Timothy Tortix moths at Fogrigarth, West Burrafirth.
26th July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 5 Sanderling at West Sandwick.
South Mainland: 6 Common Swift over Toab.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Risso's dolphin seen from Fetlar ferry.
Insect Sightings: Willow Ermine moths emerged from pupae in a Sandwick garden.
25th July 2024
Bird Sightings:
West Mainland: Night Heron has been reported again from Dale of Walls, and could have been present since the beginning of June.
South Mainland: Black Redstart at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale off Dore Holm, Stenness.
24th July 2024
Bird Sightings:
No bird news
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale at Snarraness, West Burrafith. Risso's Dolphin at Buraland, Sandwick (4), Noness, Levenwick (8). Pod of Orca seen from boat north of Bressay - some distance away.
23rd July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Goosander, and 36 Mallard at Loch of Vatsetter.
South Mainland: Manx Shearwater from Good Shepherd 10miles south of Sumburgh. Brambling at Virkie. Sparrowhawk at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: 15-20 dolphin between Mousa and Burland heading south, past Noness. Risso's dolphin from Sumburgh Head (4) and later (2), Dalsetter (6), Minke Whale south off Skaw, Whalsay and at Snarraness, West Burrafirth.
22nd July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 9 Sanderling at Westing beach.
Yell: 9 Sand Martin at Breckon beach.
South Mainland:
From County Recorder: Redpolls to become one species - BirdGuides
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin seen at Levenwick (1), later 10, Mousa Sound (1). Unidentified dolphin pod off Gulberwick. 2 Minke Whale off Gossabrough, Yell.
Insect Sightings: Hummingbird Hawkmoth and Painted Lady butterfly on Foula. Willow Ermine moth at Bakkasetter, South Mainland.
21st July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 1st Summer Arctic Tern at Ordaal, Baltasound.
Yell: 18 Sanderling at Breckon.
South Mainland: Mistle Thrush at Sumburgh Hotel. Green Sandpiper at Bakkasetter.
Insect Sightings: Peacock butterfly at Viewfield, Otterswick.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin from Skerries ferry.
20th July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 1st Summer Arctic Tern and 3 Knot at Ordaal, Baltasound.
Yell: 5 Sand Martin and 9 Sanderling at Breckon.
South Mainland: 200 Sanderling at Scord beach, Scatness. 2 Common Swift at north end of Spiggie loch.
19th July 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Common Swift over the Keen of Hamar. 75 Storm Petrel off Hermaness between 10am and 4pm.
Central Mainland: Honey Buzzard over Black Gaet, flew towards Gulberwick.
South Mainland: 2 Common Swift and Sandwich Tern at Pool of Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen from Skerries ferry.
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: 3 Risso's dolphin off Dalsetter, South Mainland.
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), Grutness (4). 15's 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.
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.
29th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 16 Brambling at Uyeasound. Sedge Warbler at Millfield. Short-eared Owl at Skaw. Harrier spp over and Sparrowhawk at Northdale. Reed Bunting and Willow Warbler at Haroldswick Pool. Short-eared Owl at hostel garden.
Out Skerries: Wryneck, 7 Ring Ouzel, Pied Flycatcher, 26 Swallow, 3 House Martin, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, 19 Fieldfare, Sparrowhawk and 3 Song Thrush notable on the island.
Whalsay: House Martin at Banks, Brough. Hawfinch at Skaw and Isbister. Jackdaw at Hamister. Whinchat and Ring Ouzel at Grunitaing.
Yell: Redpoll at Cullivoe. Ring Ouzel at Mid Yell.
Noss: 2 Ring Ouzel, 3 Redstart, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Robin on the island.
North Mainland: Drake Mandarin Duck at Sandvoe, North Roe. Arctic Skua at Eshaness.
Central Mainland: 20 Siskin, 2 Redpoll and un-ringed Sparrowhawk at Mulla, Voe. Grey Wagtail, at Uradale, and 19+ Siskin at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway. Coot at Asta Loch, Tingwall. Ring Ouzel at Staney Hill, Sand Martin and Swallow at Clickimin, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Quail along a track at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Redstart and 2 Tree Pipit at Geosetter. Ring Ouzel at Ness Boating Club. 2 Ring Ouzel, Tree Pipit and Blackcap at Sumburgh Head. Common Tern at Grutness.
A colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit seen at Hillwell and Spiggie was ringed as a chick in Iceland in 2012.
Cetacean Sightings:
5+ Orca were seen south of Belmont heading northward. A single male Orca was seen in the area earlier.
30th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 9 Carrion Crow at Skaw. Osprey at Burrafirth, and later at Loch of Cliff. Arctic Skua, Redstart and Linnet at Norwick. Whinchat and House Martin at Millfield. Hawfinch, Pied Flycatcher and Waxwing at Setter's Hill Estate. 3 Carrion Crows at Hamar. Goldfinch at Skibladnir, and 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Haroldswick Pool. Marsh Harrier over Baltasound. Whinchat at Ungirsta Mires. Hen Harrier at Quoys. Lapland Bunting and Garden Warbler at Easting. Common Tern at Uyeasound.
Out Skerries: Wryneck near Housay Houses. 2 Ring Ouzel, Greenfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, Dunnock, 2 Tree Pipit, 3 Sand Martin, 4 House Martin and 11 Swallow also on the island.
Yell: Ring Ouzel and Dunnock at West Sandwick.
Central Mainland: Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 40 Siskin and 20 Brambling at Burravoe, Brae. Hawfinch at Sandgarth, Dale. Barnacle Goose at Lunna Kirk. Pied Flycatcher and Blackcap at Eswick, South Nesting. Pied Flycatcher and Song Thrush at East Trondra. Pied Flycatcher at Frakkafield. 3 Waxwing at Sandveien, Pied Flycatcher at Helendale Drive, singing Willow Warbler at Clickimin.
West Mainland: 5 Siskin at Watsness.
South Mainland: Stock Dove at Mail, Cunningsburgh. 2 Tree Pipit at Geosetter. Ring Ouzel at Scousburgh Hill. Marsh Harrier at Rerwick reed bed. 2 Shoveler at NW Spiggie. Shoveler at Setter. Goldfinch, Song Thrush and 3 Blackcaps at Bakkasetter. Lesser Whitethroat, Whinchat, Reed Bunting, 6 Blackcap at Virkie. Common Tern, and 64 Long-tailed Duck at West Voe. Garganey, 2 Gadwall, Redstart, and Common Tern at Grutness. Dunnock and Ring Ouzel at Sumburgh Head.
Insect Sightings: White-tailed, Buff-tailed, Shetland and Garden Bumblebee's seen at Otterswick, Yell.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca containing the male 034 was seen initially under the bridge at Trondra, before heading out of Scalloway, being seen from Reawick, Skeld, and eventually past Westerwick. Another report of 3 Orca was seen heading north past Eshaness.
27th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Ring Ouzel on slopes above Leawart, Norwick, and another 2 at Millfield. Ring Ouzel and Jackdaw at Skaw. 4 Common Crossbill at Trolla Water. Osprey at Hermaness. Peregrine over Baltasound.
Out Skerries: Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, Black Redstart, 4 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Brambling, 7 Chaffinch and 25+ Wheatear on the island.
Yell: Osprey over Mid Yell, heading south over Reafirth valley. 4 Siskin, 8 Brambling and Blackcap at Hillend.
Whalsay: Carrion Crow at West Loch. Goldfinch at Marrister.
Bressay: 5 Pink-footed Geese at Hoversta.
Noss: 3 Willow Warbler and Redstart on the island.
Central Mainland: 7 Siskin at Mulla, Voe. Goldfinch at Bridge End, Burra. 17 Siskin in Ladysmith Drive, Scalloway. Mandarin Duck at Loch of Tingwall. 5 Siskin at North Road, Greenfinch at Law Lane, 2 Linnet at Gilbertson Park, Crossbill over towards the flower park, Lerwick.
South Mainland: 11 Siskin at Cunningsburgh. 4 Shoveler and Hen Harrier at Spiggie. Wryneck at Bakkasetter. Gadwall, Carrion Crow, Swallow and 4 Shoveler at Hillwell. Willow Warbler and Wryneck at Dalsetter. Un-ringed Sparrowhawk at Toab. Shelduck, Mute Swan and Swallow at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings:
A pod of 3 or more Orca were seen heading south east out of Bluemull Sound.
***Request for sightings: With the first confirmed breeding attempt of Magpie in Shetland, please report any sightings of Magpie, away from Sandness on the West Mainland, to our county recorder at Magpie Sightings***
28th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Ring Ouzel at Vallafield, and Bullfinch at the Manse, Baltasound. Hen Harrier over Skaw, and later Valyie, Norwick. 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 15 Brambling, 3 Siskin, 3 Chaffinch at Valyie, Norwick. Carrion Crow at Uyeasound, Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch. 2 Ring Ouzel, Bullfinch, 4 Redwing, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, and Siskin at Halligarth. Osprey south over Alma. 2 Blackcap at Maudeville, and Swallow at Uyeasound.
Out Skerries: Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Chaffinch, Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 7 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 8 Wheatear, Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 2 Brambling on the island.
Yell: Sparrowhawk at Cullivoe.
Bressay: 2 Blackcap at Voehead.
North Mainland: Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, 2 Brambling and Blackcap at South Voxter.
Central Mainland: Arctic Skua at Loch of Strom. 19 Siskin, 2 Brambling and Chaffinch at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway. Reed Bunting at South Burn of Gremista. Pied Flycatcher at Law Lane. Fieldfare, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap, Willow Warbler, 3 Siskin, Brambling, 6 Redpoll, and Sparrowhawk at Clickimin. 2 Puffin off Fjara.
South Mainland: Sparrowhawk, 3 Chiffchaff, Blackcap, at Hoswick. 2 Puffin and 2 Great Northern Diver in Hoswick bay. Shoveler at NW Spiggie. Hawfinch, Pied Flycatcher and Blackcap at Scousburgh. 2 Redstart, 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap at Geosetter. 5 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, Brambling. Chaffinch and Collared Dove at Quendale. Dunnock, 2 Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 2 Siskin, and 2 Shoveler at Hillwell. ~100 Long-tailed Ducks still in West Voe. Redstart at Sumburgh Farm. Wryneck, Chiffchaff, 2 Shelduck, 33 Sanderling at Grutness. 22 Wheatear, 2 Siskin and Brambling around Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings:
Pod of Orca were seen from Sumburgh Head this afternoon before heading south.
Insect Sightings: Large White Butterfly was in a garden in Scalloway. An Early Bumblebee was in a garden in Catfirth. Buff-tailed Bumblebee was at Halligarth.
26th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Small groups of finches are still present in the isles, and summer breeding bird sightings gradually increasing, with widespread Whimbrel, first Common Sandpiper of year, joining the variety of ducks and seabirds.
Unst: 2 Common Sandpiper at Haroldswick beach. 2 Gadwall flew over Ordaal towards Mill Loch.
Out Skerries: Yellowhammer, Ring Ouzel, Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Brambling, 4 Chaffinch, Redwing, 10 Wheatear, Dunnock and Black Redstart on the island.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch and Common Redpoll at Swining, Vidlin. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway. Black-tailed Godwit at Loch of Tingwall. Flock of 18 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Long-tailed Duck, Razorbill and Guillemot fishing off Huxter, Weisdale Voe.
South Mainland: 12 Whimbrel over, Slavonian Grebe, 7 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Scaup, Great Northern Diver, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, and 2 Shoveler at NW Spiggie. Chiffchaff and Blackcap at Symblisetter, Spiggie. 2 Shoveler, and Drake Gadwall at Setter. Goosander at Brow Loch. Snow Bunting at Scatness. Short-eared Owl at Sumburgh airport. Dunnock at tree planting site at Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings:
3 Minke Whale off Whalsay. 6 Porpoise off Beosetter. Dolphins seen from Unst Ferry.
***Request for sightings: With the first confirmed breeding attempt of Magpie in Shetland, please report any sightings of Magpie, away from Sandness on the West Mainland, to our county recorder at Magpie Sightings***
24th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Black-tailed Godwit at Easter Loch. Great Grey Shrike at Northdale.
Yell: Snow Bunting and Merlin at Gutcher. Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff at Cullivoe. 5+ Redwing at Camb.
Central Mainland: Lesser Redpoll at Mulla, Voe.
South Mainland: Whimbrel over Hoswick. Arctic Skua, 2 Shoveler, Great Skua and 8 Swallow at north end of Spiggie. Green-winged Teal and 6 Pink-footed Geese and White-fronted Goose at Setter Marsh, Spiggie. 6 Brambling, 10 Linnet, 1 Siskin and Shoveler at Hillwell/Brake. 5 Great Skua and 2 Whimbrel at Dalsetter. Greenshank at Virkie. 'Blue' Fulmar at Sumburgh Head.
25th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Great Grey Shrike still, out in the marsh, at Northdale. 8 Barnacle Geese at Burrafirth.
Central Mainland: Coal Tit at Burravoe, Brae. Common Tern at Loch of Strom. White-tailed Eagle seen over Scalloway, then flying east over Law Lane heading towards Bressay.
West Mainland: A pair of Magpie at Sandness is the first breeding record of this species in Shetland.
South Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Dalsetter. Slavonian Grebe at Spiggie. Green-winged Teal and 2 Shoveler still at Setter, Spiggie. Hen Harrier at Bakkasetter. Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Shoveler at Hillwell. 11 Whimbrel in field near Exnaboe. Waxwing at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings:
Single male Orca reported off Scousburgh was identified as 018. He slowly made his way around St Ninians over several hours.
23rd April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Dunnock at Uyeasound.
Yell: Snow Bunting Gutcher. Merlin and Chiffchaff at Cullivoe. 2 Barnacle Geese at Gloup.
North Mainland: 10 Black-tailed Godwit at Braewick, Eshaness.
Central Mainland: Yellowhammer at Stendaal, South Nesting. First Common Tern of the year at Weisdale.
South Mainland: 9 Great Skua on Mousa. Arctic Skua at Sandwick. Goldfinch at Dalsetter. Goosander on Loch of Brow. Greenshank and 3 Godwit at Hillwell. Drake Green-winged Teal still at Setter, Spiggie. Drake Blue-winged Teal associating with a Eurasian Teal at Scatness pools, and a Whimbrel calling overhead.
20th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaff at Valyie, and 7 Barnacle Geese at Norwick. Sparrowhawk and Willow Warbler at Halligarth.
Yell: Hawfinch still at Hillend, Mid Yell and another at Burravoe.
Fetlar: Sparrowhawk at Aithness.
Whalsay: 2 Great Skua at Huxter Loch.
Bressay: 3 Pink-footed Geese at Hoversta.
Foula: Green-winged Teal still on the island.
Central Mainland: Adult White-tailed Eagle seen at Laxo, then later near over Kames heading south. Grey Wagtail at Voe. Quail still in garden at Kellister, Weisdale. Hawfinch at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway. Blackcap at Burn of Sound, Willow Warbler at Clickimin, and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale.
South Mainland: Great Skua at Cunningsburgh. Another and a Wheatear at Sandwick. Drake Gadwall and 6 Pink-footed Geese at Spiggie. Lesser Whitethroat at Bakkasetter. Ruff, Hen Harrier, Little Grebe and 2 Shoveler at Hillwell. Short-eared Owl and Willow Warbler at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings:
8-10 Risso's Dolphin off Levenwick heading north towards Sannick.
21st April 2024
Bird Sightings:
New birds arriving today with the brief respite in the northerly winds.
Unst: 6 Pink-footed Geese at Haroldswick. Lesser Whitethroat at Haroldswick Pool.
Yell: Sparrowhawk at Belleview, with Hawfinch and Sparrowhawk at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Out Skerries: 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, Yellowhammer, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, Wheatear, 5 Redwing, and Grey Heron on the island.
Foula: Pair of Green-winged Teal still on the island.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver off Kirkabister, South Nesting. 2 Pintail at Sandy Loch, Chiffchaff at Helendale, and Redwing at Ronald Street, and 6 Brambling at North Road, Lerwick.
West Mainland: 13 Knot moulting into summer plumage below Bixter Cemetery.
South Mainland: 2 White-fronted and 6 Pink-footed Geese, 3 summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwit, drake Green-winged Teal, and 3 Pintail at Setter Marsh, Spiggie. Pair of Shoveler at NW Spiggie, and 3 Scaup on the loch. Drake Pochard at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings:
At least 4 Orca sighted from Yell ferry at lunchtime. Last seen off Ulsta at 6pm.
22nd April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 7 Barnacle Geese at Burrafirth. Common Whitethroat and Chiffchaff at Haroldswick Pool bushes, and Sparrowhawk and Great Skua at Valyie.
Yell: 2 Barnacle Geese at Gloup. Dunnock, Robin and 8 Redwing at Gutcher.
Foula: Green-winged Teal at Hametoun, and Little Egret at Ham.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker still at Helendale.
South Mainland: 7 Whimbrel over Dalsetter. 4 Pintail and 3 Black-tailed Godwit at Spiggie. Iceland Gull, 4 Shoveler and Little Grebe at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings:
4-5 Orca seen from Compass Head, Sumburgh appear to be from a non-catalogued pod previously seen off Orkney in 2019. 6 or more Orca seen from the Skerries ferry at a similar time.
19th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hawfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.
West Mainland: 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull near Bixter.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch, Lesser Whitethroat and Rook on bird feeders at Stendaal, South Nesting. White Wagtail at Clickimin, and Great Spotted Woodpecker still at Helendale.
South Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Ocraquoy. Hen Harrier at Brow Marsh. Little Grebe, Shoveler and Rook at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings:
3 Orca were reported from Sumburgh head travelling north.
Another report from late evening, of Orca at Skeld Voe, West Mainland.
17th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Northerly and Southerly-feel to the sightings today!
Unst: Arctic Redpoll at Clingera. Barnacle Goose at Loch of Cliff, and Lesser Whitethroat and House Martin at Haroldswick pool. Blackcap (found deceased) at Uyeasound.
Yell: Pied Wagtail and Chiffchaff at Cullivoe. Pied Wagtail and Bullfinch at Gutcher. 6 Brambling at Hillend, and Chiffchaff and Bullfinch at Bellevue, Mid Yell. Glaucous Gull at Laxa Burn.
North Mainland: Siskin at Gluss.
Foula: Green-winged Teal still on the island plus Great Tit, Bullfinch, Hawfinch, Dunnock, 4 Barnacle Geese and 2 Siskin.
West Mainland: ~400 Eider, 18 Long-tailed Ducks, 6 summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe and 2 Great Northern Diver in Tresta Voe.
Central Mainland: Chiffchaff at Mulla, Voe. Quail in a garden in Kellister, Weisdale, and Jackdaw at Kergord. Wheatear at South Staney Hill, and Little Gull still at Mair's Pier, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler at Culsetter, Spiggie.
18th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Pink-footed Geese at Haroldswick.
Yell: Hawfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.
North Mainland: Great Skua at South Voxter.
Foula: Female Chaffinch ringed in Haland, Norway on 13th April 2023, is still on the island.
Central Mainland: Quail still in garden in Kellister, Weisdale. Hawfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway.
South Mainland: Male Hen Harrier flew north over Stove. Whimbrel at Virkie. Hen Harrier and 4 Scaup at Spiggie.
16th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
It appears that the northerly cold airflow has temporarily halted northwards migration!
Yell: 6 Brambling and Song Thrush at Mid Yell.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Mulla, Voe. 2 Hawfinch, Goldfinches and Bramblings still at Stendaal, South Nesting. 6 Brambling, 5 Siskin, 2 Chaffinch and Goldfinch at Scalloway.
South Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Hoswick. Chiffchaff at Swinister. Blue Tit at Dalsetter.
15th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Brambling, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff and 2 Swallow at Hillend. Rook, and 5 Chaffinch at Gutcher. 2 Siskin and 2 Redwing at Cullivoe. Hen Harrier between Aywick and Gossaborough.
Central Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Eswick, and Hawfinch at Stendaal, South Nesting. Hawfinch at Strand. Little Gull still at Shetland Catch area.
Bressay: Tundra Bean and 5 Pink-footed Geese still on island.
South Mainland: Long-eared Owl at Scousburgh. Iceland Gull and pair of Shoveler at Hillwell. Black-tailed Godwit at Pool of Virkie.
14th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Great White Egret between Buness and Halligarth. Great Skua over, and 4 Pink-footed Geese at Heritage Centre. Pink-footed Goose at Northdale. Sand Martin and 3 Swallow at Skibhoul.
Yell: 4 Chaffinch at Gutcher. Pied Wagtail at Cullivoe.
Foula: 2 Green-winged Teal on the island.
Fetlar: Siskin and Goldcrest at Gord. Chaffinch at Tresta. Great Skua at Funzie. 2 Wheatear at Aith, and 3 Wheatear and Brambling at Aithness.
Bressay: Tundra Bean Goose still at Keldabister.
Out Skerries: Puffin, 4 Great Skua, 8 Dunnock, 7 Swallow, 14 Redwing, 4 Robin, 15 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear, 3 Wood Pigeon, Song Thrush and Carrion Crow on the island.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Stendaal, South Nesting. 4 Siskin, Chaffinch in North Road, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, and summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe at Sands of Sound, Lerwick. Little Gull at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: 3 Swallow, 5 Wheatear and Carrion Crow at Boddam. Hen Harrier at Bakkasetter. Greenshank and Great Skua at NW corner of Spiggie Loch. 8 Swallow, 4 House and Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail and Wheatear at West Voe. Jackdaw at Toab.
Cetacean Sightings:
27's Pod of Orca initially sighted in Mangaster, and then off Muckle Roe before heading southwards to Aith Voe. Eventually they reached Norby and Melby in Sandness, before being lost to sight of Papa Stour.
Risso's Dolphin off Dalsetter, South Mainland.
13th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Snow Bunting Baltasound. Sand Martin at Burrafirth, and Skibhoul, along with 4 Swallow there too.
Yell: 3 Siskin, 3 Chaffinch and 2 Wood Pigeon at Cullivoe.
Central Mainland: 2 Goldfinch at Sandgarth, Dale. 'Littoralis' ssp Rock Pipit at Laxo Ferry terminal. 9 Goldfinch and 5 Brambling at Stendaal, South Nesting. Summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe on Loch of Hellister, Weisdale. Goldfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker in Scalloway.
West Mainland: 2 Great Skua at Bixter. Great Skua and Chiffchaff at Dale of Walls. Yellowhammer with Twite flock at Watsness.
South Mainland: 3 Chiffchaff and Merlin at Hoswick burn. Swallow at Fladdabister. 2 Wheatear at Levenwick. 2 Wheatear, 2 Siskin and House Martin at Boddam Voe. 3 Wheatear at Sumburgh Head. Willow Warbler at Bakkasetter. Yellowhammer near to Hillwell.
11th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Fetlar: Grey Wagtail at Aith.
North Mainland: Collared Dove at Ollaberry.
Central Mainland: Dunnock, Siskin, Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch and Collared Dove at Stendaal, South Nesting. Sparrowhawk with red colour ring seen at Veensgarth. 7 Wheatear at Kettla Ness. Little Gull at Fish Market, and 3 Brambling, 2 Chaffinch and 2 Siskin at North Road, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Brambling and Sisking still at Orcaquoy. Arctic Tern still Channerwick. Common Scoter off Scord Beach, 3 Swallow at West Voe.
Cetacean Sightings:
27's pod of Orca were spotted early evening in Mousa Sound, heading south. They were followed southwards into Sannick and Hoswick, and lastly off Levenwick.
12th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Tree Sparrow at Millfield, Norwick. 4 Barnacle Geese at Sotland. Yellowhammer at the Shore Station.
Yell: 2 Wheatear and 3 Chaffinch at Cullivoe. 2 Goldfinch, Siskin and Sparrowhawk at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Central Mainland: White-tailed Eagle reported over Brae flying towards Voe. Swallow at Eswick, Great Skua at Loch of Benston, and Hawfinch and 6 Goldfinch at Stendaal, South Nesting. 2 Great Northern Diver and 2 Swallow off the Lodberries, Lerwick. 2 Pied Wagtail at Fjara.
West Mainland: Peregrine near Bixter.
South Mainland: 3 Siskin, Brambling, Chaffinch and Chiffchaff at Ocraquoy. Brambling at Dalsetter, House Martin at Boddam. Goldfinch, Song Thrush, 2 Siskin and 2 Blackcap at Bakkasetter. 2 Yellowhammer and Sparrowhawk at Hillwell. Great Skua, 4 Swallow and Blackcap at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings:
27's Pod of Orca initially spotted at Garderhouse, West Mainland early evening, before tracking along the coast towards Silwick.
10th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Sparrowhawk at Sotland, 2 House Martin and 4 Snow Bunting at Ordaal. 2 Siskin, and 7 Chaffinch at Valyie. 2 Swallow at Haroldwick. Goldfinch at Uyeasound.
Yell: Siskin, Chiffchaff, and 3 Chaffinch at Sellafirth. Blackcap at Gutcher.
Bressay: Tundra Bean and 2 Pink-footed Geese at Keldabister.
Fetlar: Swallow at Houbie.
Central Mainland: Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Siskin and Yellowhammer at Mulla, Voe. Rough-legged Buzzard over Knab, Lerwick heading towards Bressay. Mistle Thrush at North Staney Hill, and 3 Redwing at Clickimin. Merlin over Voe of Sound. Swallow at Wester Quarff.
South Mainland: Goldfinch, Siskin and Chiffchaff at Ocraquoy. Kestrel and Goldfinch at Cunningsburgh. Hawfinch, 2 Siskin, 4 Chaffinch, Dunnock and Song Thrush at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. 3 Chiffchaff at Hoswick burn. 71 Purple Sandpiper at Moast Beach, Scatness. 6 Swallow at Clumlie. 2 House Martin, Swallow, and Wheatear at Boddam. Wheatear and Dunnock at Sumburgh Head.
9th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2Jackdaw and Great Skua at Skaw. Iceland Gull at Ordaal. Swallow and Yellowhammer at Norwick. 2 Brambling, 3 Swallow, Sand Martin, Willow Warbler and Wheatear at Haroldswick. 6 Snow Bunting at Clivocast. Chiffchaff at the Shore Station. 2 House Martin at Nordalea. Goldfinch at Uyeasound.
Fetlar: Wheatear at Aithness.
Yell: 3 Goldfinch, Dunnock, 10 Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Sparrowhawk at Hillend, and Pied Wagtail at Linkhouse.
Central Mainland: Coal Tit at Brae Community Woodland. Yellowhammer at Mulla, Voe. Blackcap at Weisdale. Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, Brambling, 6 Chaffinch at Eswick, and Yellowhammer, Dunnock, Siskin, 6 Goldfinch, Chaffinch at Stendaal, and Glaucous Gull at Loch of Benston, South Nesting. Goldfinch at Scalloway. 3 Siskin at Bridge End, and Wheatear at Meal Beach, Burra. Crossbill, Hawfinch, Siskin and Dunnock at North Staney Hill plantation.
West Mainland: 2 Wheatear at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Hawfinch at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Greenshank and Grey Wagtail at Virkie. Pochard at Hillwell. Puffins seen at Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings:
8 Risso's Dolphin off Holm of Skaw, Unst. Single Porpoise at Score Point, Bressay.
30th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Black Redstart and 2 Pied Wagtail at Norwick beach, with 2 Hawfinch at Valyie.
Yell: Hawfinch, Brambling, 10 Chaffinch and Glaucous Gull at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Bressay: 2 Siskin, 2 Chaffinch, Dunnock and Goldcrest in Voehead.
Central Mainland: Brambling, 2 Siskin, Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Robin in Scalloway. Sparrowhawk, Brambling, Dunnock and Chaffinch at Eswick. Long-eared Owl at Veensgarth. Glaucous, Iceland and Little Gull at Shetland Catch. Hawfinch at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Mistle Thrush at Bakkasetter. Bittern still at Hillwell in NW corner viewable from roadside with patience, also Iceland Gull. Northern Wheatear, Mistle Thrush, Stonechat, Black Redstart, 2 Dunnock, 21 Robin, 5 Goldcrest, 6 Siskin, 6 Chaffinch, 10 Song Thrush, 7 Fieldfare, White Wagtail and Puffin between Sumburgh Head and Grutness. 10 Long-tailed Duck, 12 Purple Sandpiper and 16 Sanderling at Grutness. 2 Pintail at Setter Marsh, Spiggie. 2 Linnet, 2 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Pied Wagtail at Virkie. Further Black Redstart of the sea in the late afternoon off Grutness.
17th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Completely different weather conditions today with fog and high winds making birding challenging!
Unst: Mistle Thrush, Redwing and 7 Chaffinch at Valyie.
Central Mainland: Carrion Crow at Veensgarth. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, with 2 Blue Tit at Clickimin.
South Mainland: Stonechat at Grutness Pier.
16th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Plenty of birders were out and about today in glorious sunshine!
Unst: 7 Chaffinch, and Robin at Valyie. Stock Dove at Halligarth.
Yell: 4 Mistle Thrush and 2 Redwing at Mid Yell School. 4 White-fronted Geese at Burravoe.
Whalsay: Water Rail at Marrister.
Central Mainland: Little Gull at Lerwick Marina, Glaucous at Mair's Pier, with Iceland Gull on shore at Bressay. Pink-footed Goose still Loch of Asta, Tingwall.
West Mainland: 16 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver and 8 Long-tailed Duck at Melby Beach, Sandness.
South Mainland: Eurasian Bittern in Eel Burn, and Iceland Gull both Hillwell. Pied Wagtail and Stonechat at Quendale. Stonechat at Bakkasetter. Stonechat at Sumburgh (1st) quarry. Short-eared Owl in the dunes, and 170 Long-tailed Duck still at West Voe. 3 White-fronted Geese at Brow Loch, and Stonechat at Brow Marsh. 3 Scaup, 3 Coot, 3 Red-throated Diver and summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe at Spiggie.
19th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull and Chiffchaff at Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Wood Pigeon at Hillend. Chiffchaff and Stonechat at Otterswick. Glaucous Gull, Mistle Thrush and Goldcrest at Mid Yell. East Yell Hall area held 60+ Fieldfare, 50+ Redwing and Blackbird, plus Common Redpoll.
Foula: Great White Egret on the island.
Bressay: 2 Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and 8 Redwing at Voehead.
Whalsay: 350 Fieldfare, 400 Redwing, 200 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush on the island, including, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Goldcrest, 5 Wood Pigeon. Hawfinch and Siskin at Symbister. White Wagtail at Hamister.
Central Mainland: Waxwing at Stendaal, South Nesting. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, Wood Pigeon numbers increasing. 3 Blue Tit at Clickimin. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Westerloch Drive. Chiffchaff at Greenfield Place. All Lerwick.
South Mainland: Chaffinch and Stonechat at Sannick. 3 European White-fronted Geese at Ringasta. Stonechat at Brow Marsh. Chiffchaff and Pied Wagtail at Grutness.
18th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Reverse migration in play across Shetland today!
Yell: 2 Waxwing, Sparrowhawk, Mistle Thrush, 20 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing, 2 Robin and Goldcrest at Mid Yell. Brambling at Windhouse, and 2 Wood Pigeon at West Sandwick.
Whalsay: Chaffinch, Robin, Song Thrush, Woodcock, 3 Goldcrest, 55 Fieldfare, 60 Redwing and 40 Blackbirds at Skaw. Robin, Wood Pigeon, Goldcrest, and Chiffchaff at Skibberhoull. 80 Fieldfare, 110 Redwing, and 50 Blackbird in Hamister valley.
Bressay: Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest in Voehead.
Central Mainland: Waxwing at Stendaal, South Nesting. 2 Waxwing at North Lochside, Chiffchaff and 2 Blue Tit at Clickimin, and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Little Gull at Mair's Pier.
South Mainland: Dunnock at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Mistle Thrush and 18 Blackbird at Dalsetter. Robin, Chaffinch and Goldcrest at Setter, Spiggie. Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Song Thrush, 5 Woodcock, 90 Redwing, 125 Fieldfare, 120 Blackbird in Sumburgh to Grutness area.
15th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 5 Chaffinch, Robin, Fieldfare and Redwing at Valyie.
Yell: Merlin at Sellafield. Grey Wagtail at Quendale.
Central Mainland: Pink-footed Goose still Loch of Asta, Tingwall.
14th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst:
Yell: Snow Bunting at Gutcher.
Central Mainland: 3 Blue Tit at Clickimin. Drake Goosander at Loch of Strand. 9 Pink-footed Geese at East Nesting.
South Mainland: Dunnock, Sparrowhawk and Blue Tit at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. American Wigeon X Wigeon is a Setter, Spiggie.
13th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's and Iceland Gull at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Chaffinch and Robin at Gutcher. White-fronted Goose at Burravoe.
West Mainland: Stonechat at Burn of Lunklet.
Central Mainland: Pied Wagtail at Viking Compound. Pink-footed Goose at Loch of Asta, Tingwall. 6 Skylarks in fields near Loch of Tingwall. A hybrid male American Wigeon X Wigeon was at Spiggie, near Noss turning, with large flock of Eurasian Wigeon.
12th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Chaffinch and Robin at Gutcher. White-fronted Goose at Burravoe.
11th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 6 Chaffinch at Valyie.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver at South Nesting Bay, east of Ling Skerry. Short-eared Owl at East Burra.
South Mainland: Merlin and Woodcock at Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: 3 Orca reported from Yell ferry and later reported south of Lunning between Dury Voe and Whalsay. Pod of Porpoise at South Nesting Bay.
10th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 6 Chaffinch, Fieldfare and Redwing at Valyie. King Eider still on Bluemull Sound.
Yell: Glaucous and 2 Iceland Gull at Cullivoe Pier. 2 Wood Pigeon at Brekon.
Whalsay: Stonechat at Skaw.
Bressay: Dunnock and Water Rail at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Dunnock at Eswick, South Nesting. 13 Wood Pigeon at Seafield. Blue Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Goldfinch at East Voe, Scalloway.
South Mainland: Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush at Hestingott. 3 Mistle Thrush and Stonechat at Toab.
9th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Mistle Thrush at Hillend, Mid Yell. Glaucous and Iceland at Hascosay Sound. Drumming Snipe heard at Aywick.
Bressay: Song Thrush and Dunnock at Voehead.
West Mainland: Hen Harrier at Murrister, flew towards Stanydale. Sparrowhawk at Footabrough.
Central Mainland: Little Gull at Lerwick Marina. 4 Brambling at Law Lane.
South Mainland: 2 Mistle Thrush and 3 Stonechat at Toab. Common Guillemot first time back on the cliffs at Sumburgh Head. 2 Stonechat, 3 Robin, 2 Brambling and Merlin at Grutness. 123 Long-tailed Duck and Skylark singing at West Voe. 4 Mistle Thrush together in field by Toab memorial hall.
8th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Stonechat at Halligarth. Water Rail in Baltasound. Stonechat at Uyeasound.
Whalsay: White-fronted Goose at Burns. 2 Mistle Thrush and Magpie at Skibberhoull. Mistle Thrush at Newpark. 2 Stonechat at Skaw.
Central Mainland: Hen Harrier and Green-winged Teal at Loch of Trondravoe, South of Scatsta. Pink-footed Goose at Houss, Burra. Dunnock at North Road. 2 Iceland and 2 Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch. 15 Purple Sandpiper at Voe of Sound.
South Mainland: Mistle Thrush at Hoswick Burn. Stonechat at Teevliks, Levenwick. 22 Bar-tailed Godwit at Pool of Virkie. 14 Sanderling at Grutness. 3 Mistle Thrush at Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Orca were spotted off Sumburgh Head today, but there were no further details.
7th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Water Rail at Ordaal. 6 Chaffinch and Redwing at Valyie.
Yell: Song Thrush at Cullivoe, 3 Wood Pigeon at Breckon, and Snow Bunting at Gutcher.
Bressay: Dunnock at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Green-winged Teal at Loch of Trondravoe, South of Scatsta. Barnacle Goose at Loch of Tingwall. 3 Blue Tit and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. 2 Glaucous Gull near small boat Marina. 6 Wood Pigeon at Veensgarth.
South Mainland: Stonechat at Noness, Sandwick. Common Crane in dunes east of Hillwell. 2 Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Woodcock and 2 Wood Pigeon at Quendale. Pied Wagtail at Brake. Mistle Thrush at Bakkasetter. Stonechat at Grutness.
6th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull at Easter Loch, plus Redwing and 8 Skylark.
Yell: Stonechat at Cullivoe, and Sparrowhawk and 2 Chaffinch at Hillend.
Foula: 10+ White-fronted Geese on the island.
Central Mainland: 2 Chaffinch at Grostane. Flock of 3 Blue Tit at Clickimin Loch, Great Spotted Woodpecker still Helendale. Little Gull and 2 Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: 2 Stonechats at Spiggie. Common Crane still in dunes at Quendale. Stonechat at Boddam Voe. Goosander and Iceland Gull at Hillwell.
4th March 2024
Spring migration is picking up pace with records of Stonechat, Woodpigeon and a Chiffchaff reported today.
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Chaffinch at Bellevue, Mid Yell. 2 Snow Bunting at Gutcher.
Whalsay: 2 Stonechat at Skaw and 2 Woodpigeon at Burns.
South Mainland: Stonechat, Chiffchaff and 11 Woodpigeon at Hoswick Burn. Common Crane still at Quendale, and Stonechat at Bakkasetter.
5th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Chaffinch at Valyie. Stonechat at North Ayre, Haroldswick. 5 Skylark at Uyeasound.
Yell: Glaucous Gull at Papil Bay, Cullivoe, and 2 Snow Bunting at Brough, Cullivoe.
Whalsay: Stonechat at Symbister meadow.
Central Mainland: 3 Cormorant at Clickimin. 2 Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier at Spiggie. Common Crane at Quendale. 2 Iceland Gull at Hillwell. Dunnock at Sandwick.
3rd March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Chaffinch at Valvie. 2 Barnacle Geese at Haroldswick. Water Rail at Baltasound.
Yell: Snow Bunting at Gutcher.
Whalsay: Woodcock at Skaw.
Central Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose still Leebitton. Ringtail Hen Harrier at Bakkasetter. Common Crane in the dunes near Toab, Quendale with Merlin, 3 Iceland Gull (including 1 adult) and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Hillwell. Stonechat at Hestingott. Tundra Bean Goose at Exnaboe.
2nd March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull south through Easting.
Yell:
Central Mainland: Little Gull and 1 Iceland at Shetland Catch, and 2 Glaucous Gull at Heogan, Bressay.
West Mainland: Bullfinch at Michealswood, Aith.
1st March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst:
Yell: Merlin at Gutcher.
Whalsay: 3 Common Scoter off Vatshoull.
Central Mainland: Barnacle Goose at Tingwall Loch.
South Mainland: Glaucous Gull 2mile south of Sumburgh Head from Good Shepherd.
29th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull and Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound. Iceland Gull past Belmont.
Yell: 3 Snow Bunting at North Sandwick.
Central Mainland: Little Gull still close in to Mair's Pier, Lerwick.
28th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Chaffinch at Valyie.
Yell: 4 Common Scoter at Gutcher.
Fetlar: Black-throated Diver at Brough Lodge, and Grey Plover at Loch of Funzie.
Central Mainland: Common Guillemot on Loch of Freester, South Nesting. Jackdaw at West Voe O'Skellister. 2 Northern Bullfinch at Quoys, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose now long-staying at Wart, Sandwick. Hen Harrier hunting on east side of Spiggie, and Snipe heard drumming there too.
27th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hen Harrier at Laxa Burn, Mid Yell. 4 Snow Bunting at North Sandwick. Peregrine at Galtigarth.
Central Mainland: Short-eared Owl close to High School in Brae. Little Gull along rock armour to north of Shetland Catch.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk at Voehead.
South Mainland: Tundra Bean at Exnaboe, is same individual from Sumburgh Farm.
26th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Chaffinch at Valyie.
Yell: 2 Skylark at Cullivoe, a possible 'Viking Gull', 2 Common Scoter and Glaucous Gull at Gutcher.
Central Mainland: Flock of 300+ starlings seen flying south of North Road, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Snow Bunting at Old Scatness.
Cetacean Sightings: 5 Risso's Dolphin and a pod of 10 White-beaked Dolphin seen off Aywick, Yell today. Pod of porpoise off Lund in Unst.
25th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Carrion Crow at Cullivoe pier, and 6 Common Scoter at Gutcher.
North Mainland: 126 Curlew at Gluss.
Central Mainland: Little Gull still at Mair's Pier, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale.
South Mainland: Merlin at Spiggie. Rook at Hestingott, and Stonechat, Grey Wagtail and 2 Iceland Gull at Quendale.
24th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Goosander on Wester Loch, and 4 Tufted Duck on Easter Loch, Uyeasound.
Central Mainland: Merlin at Grostane, and Sparrowhawk and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Helendale, Lerwick.
West Mainland: 11 Slavonian Grebe off the Ness of Bixter, Tresta. Sparrowhawk at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier flew over Brow Loch towards Clumlie. Slavonian Grebe and Iceland Gull at Spiggie. Tundra Bean Goose at Exnaboe. Merlin at Virkie.
23rd February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 63+ Purple Sandpiper off Fjara.
South Mainland: Blue Tit at Swinister, Sandwick.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca, subsequently identified as the '140's' seen from Filla ferry on route to Vidlin today. The Shetland Cetacean Group say it is the least known and recorded pods visiting Shetland waters, with only a handful of records since 2011. They were last seen in April 2019.
22nd February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Whalsay: Magpie still around Skibberhoull area.
Yell: Iceland Gull at Mid Yell, and later same bird at Gutcher. Iceland also at Cullivoe pier.
Central Mainland: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale (both female). 30+ Purple Sandpiper near Fjara.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier at Hoswick.
Cetacean Sightings: The 27's pod of Orca initially seen off Vatsetter Voe, Mid Yell before travelling down east side of Yell on past Ulsta, last reported in middle of Yell Sound heading northwards.
21st February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Barnacle Geese south of Ungirsta. Canada Goose still at Buness. Iceland Gull south through Westing. Iceland and Kumlien's Gull at Uyeasound.
Yell: Skylark at Cullivoe. Lesser Black-backed Gull at Mid Yell.
North Mainland: 15 Chaffinch and Wood Pigeon at Gluss.
19th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2nd calendar year drake King Eider east of Sound Gruney, Bluemull with White-billed Diver also present. 2 Bar-tailed Godwit at Wester Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: Hen Harrier at East Yell Kirk.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Little Gull, Kumlien's and Glaucous Gull still present in Lerwick Harbour.
South Mainland: Tundra Bean Goose still present at Sumburgh Farm. Peregrine at Hillwell. Hen Harrier at NW Spiggie.
Cetacean Sightings: The 27's pod of Orca were initially picked up at Sella Ness, Sullom Voe Oil Terminal before touring in towards Voxter Voe, before heading back out towards Toft then Ulsta, before once again heading south past Outrabister, toward Lunna Ness.
20th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Canada Goose still at Buness. Pink-footed Goose at Clingera.
Whalsay: Peregrine at Brough. Wood Pigeon and Magpie at Skibberhoull.
Central Mainland: 8 Bar-tailed Godwit at Sellaness, and 7 Woodcock in plantation opposite Valleyfield Guest House near Brae. 7 Knot at Old Fish Farm, Breiwick, Goldeneye on Pullar's Loch. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, 3 Mute Swan briefly on Clickimin before relocating to near Pullar's Loch.
Cetacean Sightings: 27's pod of Orca seen initially in Vidlin Voe before heading northwards on the east side of Linga. Last seen heading towards Cullivoe, North Mavine.
18th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hen Harrier and Merlin at Mid Yell.
Bressay: 7 Bar-tailed Godwit near Gardie Mansion.
West Mainland: 3 Woodcock, Hen Harrier and 10 Red Grouse at Burn of Lunklett.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker in Scalloway. Little Gull , Glaucous and Kumlien's Gull at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose still at Leebitten. Tundra Bean Goose still at Sumburgh Farm. 14 Bar-tailed Godwit and 8 Shelduck at Virkie. Merlin, and Common Crane in fields between Hillwell and Quendale Farm, with 1st winter White-fronted Goose with Greylag flock also still present at Quendale Mill.
17th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hen Harrier at Mid Yell.
North Mainland: 30 Snow Bunting, Woodcock, and 18 Golden Plover at Ronas Hill.
Central Mainland: 27 Collared Doves were in Scalloway. 120+ Curlew at Loch of Tingwall. Dunnock at North Road, and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Song Thrush at Hoswick. Common Crane still in Quendale Dunes. Tundra Bean Goose still at Sumburgh Farm.
Cetaceans: A pod of 4-5 Orca were in Whalefirth, Yell today.
16th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hen Harrier at Mid Yell.
Out Skerries: 3 Woodcock and Water Rail on the island. Notably very few Snipe and no Jack Snipe were seen.
Central Mainland: Little Gull still at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: Tundra Bean Goose with Greylags at Hoswick Burn. Short-eared Owl at Brow Marsh. Hen Harrier at Noss, Spiggie. Iceland Gull at NE Spiggie Loch. Common Crane re-found on the Toab side of Quendale. 1st winter White-fronted Goose at Quendale Farm. Merlin at Grutness.
**Yesterday the remains of the Red-necked Grebe that was seen for a number of days close to shore in Quendale Bay, was discovered on Quendale beach. It is thought it had been predated. Measurements of the bird were taken by Andrew Harrop and Roger Riddington which confirmed suspicions that this bird, a male, was of the American subspecies Podiceps grisegena holboellii. This would be the 2nd British record if accepted.**
15th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Skylark at Cullivoe. Iceland Gull at Mid yell pier. Another Iceland Gull at Hillend.
South Mainland: The remains of the Red-necked Grebe were found on Quendale beach today. Common Crane in fields near Quendale Mill. Iceland Gull at Virkie.
14th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Oystercatcher numbers really beginning to build now across Shetland.
North Mainland: Snowy Owl and 2 Woodcock on Ronas Hill. 13 Common Scoter at Ronas Voe.
Yell: 2 Velvet and 2 Common Scoter in Sullom Voe, and Velvet and 4 Common Scoter in Yell Sound (all seen from a boat survey).
Whalsay: Mistle Thrush at Skibberhoull.
Central Mainland: Hen Harrier at North Nesting flying towards Laxo. 2 Bullfinch at Bakland, and Blue Tit at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Iceland Gull at Leebitten. Common Crane and Mistle Thrush at Quendale (presumably relocated from Fair Isle) along with a Hen Harrier over the dunes. Total of 18 Great Northern Diver in Quendale Bay.
13th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Canada Goose at Buness. 2 Barnacle Geese at Haroldswick. Kumlien's Gull at beach in Uyeasound.
Central Mainland: Little Gull, along with Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch. A flock of 35 adult Kittiwake were resting on the water near the head of Weisdale Voe.
12th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Continued influx of Oystercatcher and Skylark today.
Whalsay: 2 Mistle Thrush at Sandwick Loch.
Central Mainland: Little Gull at Shetland Catch. Great Spotted Woodpecker still Helendale. Pink-footed Goose still at Loch of Tingwall.
South Mainland: 2 Snow Bunting above Hoswick. Common Scoter off Scord Beach. Mistle Thrush, Wood Pigeon and Pink-footed Goose at Hillwell. Short-eared Owl, Sparrowhawk and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Quendale. Mistle Thrush near Brake/Ringasta.
11th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Barnacle Geese at Burrafirth.
Central Mainland: 2 Iceland, Glaucous and Little Gull at Shetland Catch.
10th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Woodcock at Hermaness. Moorhen at Uyeasound.
Central Mainland: 2 Short-eared Owl at Easter Heogland, Burra. Black-throated Diver at Brettabister, South Nesting Bay. Little Gull, 2 Iceland and 2 Glaucous Gull Shetland Catch and Marina.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk at Voehead.
South Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still off Garths Bank, Quendale Voe. Interesting duck at Boddam thought to be a 2nd generation Green-winged Teal x Eurasian Teal.
9th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Water Rail at Burrafirth. Bullfinch and Merlin at Baltasound. Kumlien's Gull on Easter Loch, and Chaffinch at Haroldswick.
Central Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Mulla, Voe.
South Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still off Garths Bank, Quendale Voe.
8th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Iceland Gull and Woodcock at Cullivoe.
Central Mainland: Blue Tit still at Brae. Sparrowhawk at Mulla, Voe. Black-bellied Dipper still Burn of Lunklett.
South Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still off Garths Bank, Quendale Voe. Hen Harrier at Virkie. Glaucous Gull at Sumburgh Head.
7th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Goosander on Easter Loch.
Central Mainland: 2 Blue Tit at Clickimin. 2 Bullfinch around The Sletts.
South Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still off Garths Bank, Quendale Voe. Iceland Gull at Scatness. 3 Common Scoter at Boddam Voe. Scaup at Loch of Brow. Grey Wagtail and 2 Woodcock at Quendale. Great Northern Diver and 2 Coot at Spiggie Loch. 3 Woodcock at Geosetter. Hen Harrier reported from East Longfield, Dalsetter, and at Geosetter. 15 Rooks at Bigton.
6th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland Gull at Easter Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: Hen Harrier between Mid Yell and Vatsetter.
Central Mainland: Iceland Gull over Trondra bridge.
South Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still at the westside of Quendale Bay.
5th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Goosander on Wester Loch, before moving to Easter Loch. Water Rail at bridge and Iceland Gull at the beach, both Burrafirth.
Yell: 11 Common Scoter at Cullivoe. 6 Common Scoter at Basta Voe. Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Mid Yell.
Whalsay: Sparrowhawk at Skaw and Water Rail at Marrister.
Bressay: Barnacle Goose and Chaffinch at Voehead.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver still off Housabister, South Nesting Bay. Jack Snipe at Pullar's Loch. Brambling at Law Lane. Jackdaw at Kergord.
South Mainland: Water Rail, Woodcock and Merlin at Swinister Burn. Red-necked Grebe at westside of Quendale Bay.
Mammal sightings: Porpoise are very much in evidence in South Nesting Bay - one of the best and regular places to view large numbers of these small cetaceans.
4th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Sparrowhawk at Hillend.
North Mainland: Sparrowhawk and 7 Chaffinch at Gluss. Snow Bunting at Ollaberry.
Central Mainland: Blue Tit now at Clickimin. Blue Tit also at Brae. 4 Bar-tailed Godwit at Scatsta.
South Mainland: Common Scoter at Sandsayre, and Sparrowhawk at Cunningsburgh. Glaucous Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Quendale. Hen Harrier at North end of Spiggie. Tundra Bean Goose still at Sumburgh Farm.
Mammal sightings: Risso's dolphin east of Sumburgh Head from the Lookout. f
3rd February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous and Iceland Gull at Westing.
Central Mainland: Little Gull and Iceland Gull at Shetland Catch, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Kestrel in Maywick. Tundra Bean Goose still at Sumburgh Farm. 2 Glaucous Gull still just north of Virkie.
2nd February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 45 Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, 2 Coots and Pink-footed Goose at Loch of Tingwall.
South Mainland: Tundra Bean Goose and Glaucous Gull at Sumburgh Farm.
1st February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: White-billed Diver off Skaw. Iceland Gull at Westing, and another at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: 18 Common Scoter at Wick of North Garth, Black-throated Diver, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Iceland Gull at Gutcher.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose still Sanick. Lesser Black-backed Gull at Hillwell, and Glaucous Gull at Virkie.
31st January 2024
Bird Sightings:
The widespread arrival of Oystercatchers, and the first Lesser Black-backed Gull of the year must mean lighter nights as we head towards spring!
Whalsay: Black-throated Diver at Skaw.
Central Mainland: 2 Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull at Lerwick Harbour.
West Mainland: Common Scoter at Melby.
South Mainland: Iceland Gull at north end of Spiggie. Lesser Black-backed Gull near Bakkasetter. Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Sand Lodge, Sandwick.
30th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Brae. Pink-footed Goose and 2 Coot still at Loch of Tingwall. Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch, Lerwick.
Bressay: 2 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling and Water Rail at Voehead.
South Mainland: 9 Snow Bunting at Hoswick.
Mammals: Pod of Orca was seen off Norwick, Unst.
29th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Bar-tailed Godwit at the Houb. 4 Oystercatcher at Easting. 3 Redpoll sp. over Uyeasound.
Yell: Male Hen Harrier at West Sandwick.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver at South Nesting Bay. Pink-footed Goose at north end of Loch of Tingwall. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Blue Tit and Great Tit at Helendale area. Glaucous Gull at Mair's Pier. 40+ Purple Sandpiper now near Fjara, Lerwick. Snow Bunting and Goldfinch at Banaminn, Burra.
West Mainland: 13 Knot at Effirth Voe.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose still near the Wart, and Woodcock, Sandwick. 7 Snow Bunting above Hoswick. Hen Harrier at Clumlie. Dark blue neck-collared Greylag V Z1 is now at Boddam.
Mammals: Pod of Orca was seen off Norwick, Unst.
28th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull and 2 Iceland Gull at Westing.
North Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Hillswick. Woodpigeon and 10 Chaffinch at Gluss.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Iceland Gull at Mair's Pier. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch.
Bressay: Chaffinch at Voehead.
West Mainland: Merlin at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Ringasta and another over Cunningsburgh. Common Scoter at Leebitton., and Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Sand Lodge. 2 Shelduck and Iceland Gull at Boddam. Merlin at Sandwick. 2 Glaucous Gull north of Virkie feeding on dead Greylag Geese.
27th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Westing. Iceland Gull and Kumlien's Gull at Uyeasound.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk at Voehead.
Central Mainland: 2 Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Mair's Pier.
West Mainland: Merlin at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: 2 Glaucous Gull at Virkie.
Mammals: No sign of Beluga Whale today.
26th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Black-throated Diver at Gutcher. 4 Snow Bunting at north burn of Otterswick. Sparrowhawk at Hillend.
Bressay: 6 Bar-tailed Godwit on the island.
Central Mainland: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch. Song Thrush found dead in Lerwick.
West Mainland: Glaucous Gull at Loch of Melby.
South Mainland: Iceland Gull at Dalsetter and 2 Song Thrush.
25th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Merlin at Hillend and another at Sound.
North Mainland: Goosander at Loch of Urafirth. 12 Common Scoter at Ronas Voe. 12 Chaffinch and Woodcock at Gluss. Grey Plover at Tangwick West Beach, Eshaness.
Bressay: 2 Chaffinch at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Black-throated and White-billed Diver at South Nesting Bay. Jackdaw at Kergord. 2 Coot at Loch of Tingwall. Glaucous Gull at Mair's Pier. Blue Tit, Great Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale.
West Mainland: Merlin at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Sandwick. Pink-footed Goose at Swinister Burn. Iceland Gull at Dalsetter. 8 Common Scoter at West Voe. Hen Harrier at Hillwell. Sparrowhawk at Scatness.
Mammals: Amazingly, the Beluga Whale is still near Hillswick. All indications are that it is in good condition.
24th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Moorhen at Norwick.
Yell: Merlin at Hillend and another at Sound.
Central Mainland: Blue Tit (ringed) at Brae. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker and Blue Tit at Helendale.
West Mainland: Merlin at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Common Scoter at Leebitton. 4 Rooks at Bigton. Barnacle Goose at near Spiggie Hotel.
Mammals: Amazingly, the Beluga Whale is still near Hillswick. All indications are that it is in good condition.
23rd January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Carrion Crow at Baltasound, and 2 Barnacle Geese at Haroldswick. Glaucous Gull on Burrafirth beach and a Peregrine, 2 Iceland Gull and Bar-tailed Godwit at Uyeasound.
Yell: Black-throated Diver at Gutcher along with 13 Common Scoter. 9 Common Scoter at Basta Voe.
Fetlar: Black-throated Diver off Hamarsness.
South Mainland: Common Scoter at Leebitton. 4 Rooks at Bigton. Barnacle Goose at near Spiggie Hotel.
Mammals: A Beluga Whale is still near Hillswick.
22nd January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull, 2 Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.
Yell: 12 Common Scoter off Gutcher.
Central Mainland: Sadly, a Eurasian Bittern found dead in vicinity of Lerwick Power Station. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, Lerwick. Glaucous Gull at Gremister, Lerwick. Blue Tit at Brae.
South Mainland: 5 Iceland gull and 2 Glaucous Gull at NW corner of Spiggie. Glaucous Gull at south end of Spiggie. European White-fronted Goose at Ringasta with 2 domestic geese.
21st January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull and 2 Iceland Gull at Easter Loch.
South Mainland: 134 Long-tailed Duck, Glaucous Gull at West Voe, and another at Virkie. Merlin at Grutness. Ringtail Hen Harrier at Sumburgh Farm. Hen Harrier and Goosander at Sandwick.
Mammals: A Beluga Whale is still at Sand Wick, near Hillswick.
20th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Canada and 2 Barnacle Geese at Haroldswick. Water Rail at Houb. Kumlien's Gull and Iceland Gull at Uyeasound. Glaucous Gull at Loch of Cliff, and 47 Goldeneye on sea a Burrafirth.
Central Mainland: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale.
South Mainland: Waxwing at Virkie.
Dark Blue neck collared Greylag Goose V Z1 seen at Fleck on 07.01.2024 was ringed as a 2nd year female at Sveslingane, Haram in Norway on 06.07.2019. It was last seen at Dalsetter on 01.09.2022.
Mammals: A Beluga Whale still at Sand Wick, near Hillswick.
19th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Woodcock at Halligarth and 4 Jack Snipe at the Houb.
North Mainland: Chaffinch taken by Sparrowhawk at Gluss.
South Mainland: Woodcock at Hillwell. 2 Song Thrush at Dalsetter.
Mammals: A Beluga Whale still at Sand Wick, near Hillswick.
18th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Woodcock at Skeo Taing.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Mulla in Voe. 2 Hen Harrier at Sandgarth. Chaffinch at Catfirth, and 12 Common Scoter over Loch of Benston. 2 Bullfinch at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Sparrowhawk and Jack Snipe at South Cunningsburgh. Woodcock and 2 Jack Snipe at Spiggie. Grey Plover at Hoswick Beach and Little Gull still at Sandsayre. Woodcock at Dalsetter.
Mammals: A Beluga Whale again at Sand Wick, near Hillswick for its second day.
17th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Bullfinch at Ordaal. Meadow Pipit and Skylark at the Houb.
North Mainland: 12 Chaffinch at Gluss. Redwing at Ollaberry.
Bressay: Water Rail, Redwing and Chaffinch at Voehead.
West Mainland: 2 Woodcock at Watsness. 2 Chaffinch at Kalliness, Weisdale.
Central Mainland: Chaffinch at Eswick, South Nesting. Greenfinch at Bakland, Lerwick. Bittern flying over Trondra heading towards Scalloway.
South Mainland: Water Rail, Woodcock and 2 Jack Snipe at Swinister Burn, Sandwick. 2 Goldfinch at Peerie Voe, Spiggie. Tundra Bean Goose over Virkie.
Mammals: A Beluga Whale has been at Sand Wick, near Hillswick today.
16th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 5 Jack Snipe, Purple Sandpiper, 10 Dunlin and Skylark at the Houb.
North Mainland: Chaffinch in Ollaberry.
Bressay: Brambling at Crueton.
Central Mainland: Blue and Great Tit with Brambling in a garden in Lerwick.
South Mainland: 23 Snipe, 6 Skylark, and 3 Jack Snipe at Boddam, with another at Dalsetter. Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Pool of Virkie. 6 Goldfinch at Bigton. Little Gull still at Sandsayre, Leebitton.
15th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous and Iceland Gull at Westing.
Yell: Sparrowhawk at Hillend, and 2 Dunlin at Vatsetter.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker and Dunnock at Helendale, with Greenfinch also Lerwick.
South Mainland: Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese at Hillwell. Glaucous Gull north end of Spiggie. 4 Snow Bunting at Boddam. Little Gull still at Sandsayre.
14th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland Gull at Westing. Glaucous Gull and Moorhen at Norwick.
Yell: Sparrowhawk at Hillend.
Central Mainland: 2 Redpoll at Lerwick. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: Little Gull and Glaucous Gull at Sandsayre and Pale-bellied Brent Goose south of Sand Lodge. 3 Glaucous Gull from Sumburgh Head Lookout. 110 Long-tailed Duck at West Voe.
Mammals: Humpback Whale approx. 1km east of Sumburgh Head.
13th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Glaucous Gull at Westing. Iceland Gull at salmon cages in Uyeasound. Bullfinch at Daisy Park. 4 Blue Fulmar and 5 Little Auk past Skaw.
Yell: 2 Common Scoter at Gutcher.
West Mainland: Black-bellied Dipper still at Burn of Lunklet.
Central Mainland: 9 Grey Heron at Catfirth. Glaucous Gull at Lerwick Marina.
South Mainland: Little Gull and Glaucous Gull at Sandsayre. Red Kite heading north past Sandwick.
12th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 White-fronted and Canada Geese West of Buness. Dunnock, Song Thrush and 2 Redpolls at Millfield.
Yell: Snow Bunting at Gutcher. Peregrine at Bastavoe. Great Crested Grebe at Mid Yell. Sparrowhawk at Cullivoe and Merlin at Gloup.
Central Mainland: 6 Cormorant at Clickimin. Winter plumage Red-throated Diver on Loch of Tingwall.
11th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Moorhen at Norwick.
Yell: Iceland Gull at Cullivoe Pier. Great Crested Grebe still Mid Yell Voe. 3 Velvet and 3 Common Scoter at sea in Bluemull triangle.
North Mainland: Hen Harrier at Gluss.
Central Mainland: Black-throated Diver off South Nesting Bay. 4 Cormorant and Goldeneye at Clickimin, with 20+ Purple Sandpipers, 40+ Ringed Plover, 8 Knot and Dunlin along from The Sletts to Seafield, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Black-bellied Dipper still Burn of Lunklet, East Burrafirth.
Bressay: Barnacle Goose at Keldabister.
South Mainland: 2 Shelduck at Boddam Voe. Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Sand Lodge, Sandwick. Pink-footed Goose north of Hillwell. Black Redstart at West Voe. Iceland Gull at Quendale beach.
10th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Bullfinch at Daisy Park, then Setter's Hill Estate. Canada and Pink-footed Goose at Halligarth. Jack Snipe at Houb.
Yell: Great Crested Grebe still with Great Northern Diver and 'Viking' Gull (Herring/Glaucous Gull hybrid) at Mid Yell Voe. Merlin at Sellafirth.
North Mainland: 15 Chaffinch at Gluss.
Central Mainland: Long-eared Owl at Sandgarth. Mistle Thrush again at Kergord.
West Mainland: Black-bellied Dipper at the Burn of Lunklet, East Burrafirth.
South Mainland: 11 Scaup Loch of Brow. Carrion Crow at Bigton.
9th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Bullfinch at Daisy Park. Canada Goose near Buness Pier.
Yell: Great Crested Grebe at Linkhouse Pier, Mid Yell. Snow Bunting at Gutcher. Black-throated Diver and 18 Common Scoter in Bluemull Sound.
Bressay: Woodcock at Gorie.
Central Mainland: Coot and Pink-footed Goose still at Loch of Tingwall. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch.
West Mainland: Black-throated Diver at Skelda Voe. Great Skua seen 30miles west of Foula.
South Mainland: Iceland Gull, 3 Purple Sandpiper and 6 Long-tailed Duck at Sandsayre, Merlin at Sanick. Black-throated Diver and 4 Little Auk from Good Shepherd, 2.5ml from Sumburgh Head. 2 Iceland Gull at NW Spiggie, along with 2 Scaup, Slavonian Grebe and 2 Red-throated Divers.
Mammals: 3/4 Orca south of Drongs, Hillswick. Common Dolphin still at Mavis Grind. 3 Humpback Whales seen 30miles west of Foula.
8th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Canada Goose and Wood Pigeon at Halligarth.
Yell: 8 Common Scoter and Oystercatcher at Gutcher. 2 Iceland Gull at Cullivoe Pier. On sea, numbers of Great Northern, Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver off coast towards Hamarness, Fetlar.
West Mainland: Glaucous Gull south end of South Nesting Bay, and a Coot on Loch of Benston.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Sanick. 11 Great Northern Divers, 130 Long-tailed Duck and 8 Common Scoter at West Voe. 8 Little Auk from Good Shepherd south of Sumburgh.
7th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland Gull at Burrafirth. Reed Bunting at Northdale. 5 Little Auk and 2 Blue Fulmar north past Skaw. 3 Chaffinch at Bruce Hall, and Merlin over hostel, with 4 North-western Redpoll at Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Snow Buntings and Oystercatcher at Gutcher.
Central Mainland: Coot still at Loch of Tingwall.
West Mainland: 30 Snow Bunting at Norby beach. Goosander near Bixter Cemetery.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Sanick. A Red Kite initially seen at Scatness was later giving excellent views from Fleck, Boddam, and Clumlie. 2 Canada Geese, and Greylag with a blue neck collar VZ1 (awaiting details from geese.org) were also at Fleck. 2 Black-throated, 4 Great Northern and 1 Red-throated Divers, along with 8 Common Scoter in West Voe, Sumburgh. 2 Shelduck and 2 Sanderling at Pool of Virkie.
6th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Whalsay: Goosander on Loch of Sandwick.
Central Mainland: Little Auk off Victoria Pier, Lerwick. Pink-footed Goose near Loch of Tingwall.
South Mainland: 2 Little Auk past Sumburgh Head. 2 Canada Geese at Fleck. Black Redstart at Jarlshof.
Mammals: Single Risso's Dolphin past Sumburgh Head.
5th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Sparrowhawk at Ordaal.
Whalsay: Magpie still present at Skibberhoull.
West Mainland: Magpie still being seen daily at Sandness.
South Mainland: Glaucous Gull at Boddam.
The County Recorder would be interested in any current sightings of Magpie away from Whalsay and Sandness. Contact via email - recorder@shetlandbirdclub.co.uk
4th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: 2 European White-fronted Geese at Ringasta.
3rd January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Chaffinch at Maundeville. Water Rail at Baltasound. Moorhen at Norwick.
Bressay: Water Rail at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Mistle Thrush at Kergord. Blue Tit at Helendale, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Pink-footed Goose at Swinister. 2 European White-fronted Geese at Setter, Tundra Bean with Greylag Geese near Bakkasetter. Hen Harrier at Boddam.
2nd January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Long-tailed Duck and 3 Goldeneye on Pullars Loch.
South Mainland: Woodcock at Grutness. Goosander near Bigton.
1st January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Great Tit at Valyie. Iceland Gull, and Merlin over Bruce Hall. Grey Plover at Uyeasound. 2 Iceland Gull at Heogland. Pochard at Watley.
Bressay: Merlin at Setter.
Central Mainland: 12 Great Northern Diver at Es Wick, and 6 Velvet Scoter at South Nesting.
West Mainland: Merlin at Mid Walls.
South Mainland: Great Crested Grebe at West Voe, Sumburgh. 2 Canada Geese at Setter, 4 Scaup and 5 Coot at Spiggie.