Nature in Shetland
2022 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.
27th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull at Haroldswick.
West Mainland: Velvet Scoter at Bridge of Walls.
Central Mainland: Black-throated Diver at Lerwick Harbour.
South Mainland: Short-eared Owl at Clumlie.
26th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Blackcap at Cunningsburgh.
25th December 2022
Nothing of interest reported today.
24th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
Whalsay: Velvet Scoter at Booth.
Central Mainland: Firecrest at Sound, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Pomarine Skua at Hillwell. Hen Harrier at Brow Marsh.
23rd December 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Pomarine Skua at West Voe of Sumburgh then at Boddam.
22nd December 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Pomarine Skua at Virkie. Barn Owl at Troswick (found dead)
21st December 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Jackdaw at Seafield, lerwick. Puffin at Lerwick Harbour.
South Mainland: 4 Goldfinch at Hestingott. 2 Taiga bean Goose and 11 Tundra bean Goose at Hillwell. Great Grey Shrike at Bigton.
Whale and Dolphin Sightings:
Yell: 30 Bottle-nosed Dolphin at Hascosay Sound.
20th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: 11 Tundra Bean Goose at Hillwell. 5 Pochard at Loch of Spiggie. Glaucous Gull at Levenwick
19th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
Whalsay: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Symbister.
18th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Tundra Bean Goose at Ness of Sound.
South Mainland: 2 Black Redstart at Sandwick.
17th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: King Eider in Bluemull Sound.
Central Mainland: Glaucous Gull at Scatness. 2 Goldfinch at Levenwick.
16th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Iceland Gull at Burrafirth.
Central Mainland: Waxwing at Scalloway. Firecrest at Law Lane, Lerwick. 2 Little Auk at Stromness Voe. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Brae.
South Mainland: 2 Little Auk off Sunburgh Head. Black Redstart at Sandwick.
15th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Tundra Bean Goose, White-billed Diver and Black Redstart at Sandwick.
14th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Iceland Gull and Peregrine at Virkie.
13th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Tundra Bean Goose at Seafield, Lerwick.
12th December 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Tundra bean Goose at Seafield.
South Mainland: Iceland Gull at Virkie. 11 Tundra Bean Goose and 2 Taiga Bean Goose at Hillwell. 4 Pochard at Loch of Spiggie.
28th November 2022
Unst: 3 Bewick's Swan at Uyeasound. 2 Velvet Scoter at Lund.
Whalsay: Yellowhammer at Challister.
Central Mainland: Black-throated Diver at Lerwick Harbour.
South Mainland: 6 Tundra Bean Goose at Hillwell. 2 Black Redstart at Boddam. Hen Harrier at Bakkasetter.
27th November 2022
Unst: Bewick's Swan at Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Tundra Bean Goose at Gutcher.
Central Mainland: Black Redstart at Gulberwick. Black-throated Diver at Lerwick Harbour. Hen Harrier at Lunna
South Mainland: 2 Black Redstart at Boddam. 2 Taiga Bean Goose at Spiggie. Hen Harrier at Brow Marsh.
26th November 2022
Unst: Rough-legged Buzzard at Helier's Water. Bewick's Swan at Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Tundra Bean Goose at Gutcher.
Central Mainland: Black Redstart at Gulberwick. Black-throated Diver and White-billed Diver at Lerwick Harbour.
South Mainland: 2 Black Redstart at Boddam. 2 Taiga Bean Goose and Little Egret at Spiggie. Tundra Bean Goose at Ireland.
25th November 2022
Central Mainland: Black Redstart at Anderson High School, Lerwick. Black Redstart at Navy Lane, Lerwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Kergord.
South Mainland: 2 Taiga Bean Goose at Spiggie. Little Gull at Hoswick.
24th November 2022
Unst: Rough-legged Buzzard at Vallafield.
Central Mainland: Tree Sparrow at Helendale, Lerwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Waxwing at Law Lane, Lerwick Black Redstart at Hillhead, Lerwick. . Black-throated Diver at Lerwick Harbour. Firecrest at North Road, Lerwick. Pochard at Tingwall Loch. Mistle Thrush at Veensgarth.
South Mainland: Little Gull at Virkie. Waxwing at Hillwell. 2 Taiga Bean Goose at Spiggie.
23rd November 2022
Central Mainland: Black-throated Diver at Lerwick Harbour. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Voe.
South Mainland: Waxwing at Dalsetter. 2 Pochard and Great Crested Grebe at Soiggie Loch.
22nd November 2022
Unst: Bewick's Swan at Uyeasound.
Whalsay: 2 Tundra Bean Goose at Isbister.
West Mainland: Magpie at Sandness.
Central Mainland: 9 Waxwing at Law Lane, Lerwick. Black-throated Diver at Lerwick Harbour. Barn Owl (found dead) and Waxwing at Brae.
South Mainland: Waxwing at Hillwell. Waxwing at Dalsetter.
21st November 2022
Unst: Bewick's Swan at Uyeasound. Stock Dove at Norwick.
Central Mainland: Firecrest at Sound, Lerwick. 6 Waxwing at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Jackdaw at Hillwell. Great-crested Grebe at Brow Loch. Great Grey Shrike at Spiggie. Goldfinch at Boddam.
20th November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Bewick's Swan , Lesser Black-backed Gull and Black Redstart at Uyeasound. Bewick's Swan at Watlee. Stock Dove and Black Redstart at Norwick.
Yell: King Eider at Lingy Sound. 3 Tundra Bean Goose at Gutcher. 3 Tundra Bean Goose at Breckon.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker and 6 Waxwing at Law Lane, Lerwick. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Voe. Great Spotted Woodpecker and 10 Waxwing at Brae.
South Mainland: 2 Waxwing at Dalsetter. Tundra Bean Goose at Spiggie.
19th November 2022
Unst: 2 Bewick's Swan at Uyeasound. Bewick's Swan at Watlee. Waxwing at Millfield.
Central Mainland: 7 Waxwing at Law Lane, Lerwick. 2 Waxwing at Clickimin. Waxwing at Lunna.
South Mainland: 2 Waxwing at Dalsetter. Grey Plover at Spiggie. Tundra Bean Goose at Swinister, Sandwick.
18th November 2022
Unst: 2 Bewick's Swan at Uyeasound.
Yell: 3 Tundra Bean Goose at Sellafirth. 3 European White-fronted Goose at Burravoe.
Central Mainland: 9 Waxwing at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Great crested Grebe at Brow Loch. 2 Taiga Bean Goose at Noss Farm. Ross's Gull at Spiggie Loch. Tundra Bean Goose at Scousburgh.
17th November 2022
Yell: 2 Bewick's Swan at Loch of Garth. 2 Tundra Bean Goose at Gutcher. 2 European White-fronted Goose at Kirk Loch.
Bressay: 13 European White-fronted Goose at Heogan.
Central Mainland: Black Redstart at Leog Lane, Lerwick. 4 Waxwing at Law Lane, Lerwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Voe.
South Mainland: 4 European White-fronted Goose at Scatness. 3 Tundra Bean Goose and 12 European White-fronted Goose at Bakkasetter. 2 Taiga Bean Goose and 19 European White-fronted Goose at Spiggie Waxwing at Dalsetter. Mistle Thrush at Sandwick.
16th November 2022
Whalsay: European White-fronted Goose and 2 Tundra Bean Goose at Burns. 4 European White-fronted Goose at Creadyknowe.
South Mainland: European White-fronted Goose at Ringasta. 4 European White-fronted Goose at Spiggie. 2 Waxwing at Dalsetter. Waxwing at Swinister, Sandwick.
15th November 2022
Yell: 3 European White-fronted Goose at Burravoe.
South Mainland: Black Redstart at Grutness. 9 Little Auk at Virkie. 2 Waxwing at Dalsetter. Waxwing at Sandwick. 2 Waxwing at Ocraquoy
14th November 2022
Whalsay: Yellow-browed Warbler and Dunnock at Skaw.
Central Mainland: Pallas's Warbler at Frakkafield. Waxwing at Mulla.
South Mainland: 5 Little Auk at Virkie. 3 Waxwing at Dalsetter. Great Spotted Woodpecker and Waxwing at Sandwick. Waxwing at Ocraquoy.
Whale and Dolphin Sightings:
South Mainland:2 Humpback Whale at Quarff.
13th November 2022
Unst: Little Grebe at Small Waters.
Central Mainland: Pallas's Warbler at Frakkafield.
South Mainland: Black Redstart at Grutness. 2 Long-eared Owl and Dusky Warbler at Quendale. 3 Waxwing and Black Redstart at Dalsetter. European White-fronted Goose at Spiggie. Waxwing at Sandwick. Waxwing at Fladdabister.
Whale and Dolphin Sightings:
South Mainland: Humpback Whale at Quarff.
12th November 2022
Unst: Little Grebe at Small Waters. Coot at Loch of Cliff.
Whalsay: Great Grey Shrike at Vatshoull.
Central Mainland: Black Redstart at Bruce Crescent, Lerwick. Black Redstart at Breiwick, Lerwick. Great S[otted Woodpecker at Brae.
South Mainland: Hume's Warbler at Grutness. Short-eared Owl at Pool of Virkie. Short-eared Owl at Quendale. 4 Black Redstart at Sanick.
Whale and Dolphin Sightings:
South Mainland: 5 Humpback Whale at Fladdabister.
11th November 2022
Nothing of interest posted today
10th November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 3 Waxwing and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Law Lane, lerwick.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier at Bigton.
9th November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Mistle Thrush at Stove. 2 Glaucous Gull at Burrafirth.
Yell: Little Bunting at Burravoe.
Whalsay: Great Grey Shrike at Skaw.
Central Mainland: 4 Waxwing, Blyth's Reed Warbler Black Redstart and Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Law Lane, Lerwick Waxwing at South Nesting. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Skellister. Waxwing at Brae.
South Mainland: 2 Black Redstart at Compass Head. American Wigeon at Loch of Spiggie. Great Spotted Woodpecker and Barred Warbler at Swinister, Sandwick. Iceland Gull and 2 Black Redstart at Sanick.
8th November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Whalsay: Black Redstart at Skaw.
North Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Waxwing, Yellow-browed Warbler and 3 Common Crossbill at Sullom.
West Mainland: Magpie at Sandness. Red-throated Pipit at Norby.
Central Mainland: Waxwing at Burn of Sound. 3 Waxwing at Seafield. 4 Waxwing and Olive-backed Pipit at Law Lane, Lerwick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Hayfield House, Lerwick. Glaucous Gull at Lerwick Harbour. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Voe.
South Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Toab. Yellow-browed Warbler, Dusky Warbler and 2 Mistle Thrush at Quendale. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Sandwick. 2 Black Redstart at Sanick. Waxwing at Cunningsburgh. Waxwing at Ocraquoy.
7th November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Grebe, Coot, Waxwing and Mistle Thrush at Baltasound.
North Mainland: 11 Goldfinch at Sullom.
West Mainland: Magpie at Sandness.
Central Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Scalloway. Glaucous Gull at Lerwick. Hawfinch at Voe.
South Mainland: Waxwing, Hume's Warbler and Olive-backed Pipit at Grutness. Olive-backed Pipit at Levenwick. 2 Black Redstart at Sanick.
6th November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 common Scoter and Black Redstart at Easter Loch.
Central Mainland: Hen Harrier at Toft.
South Mainland: Olive-backed Pipit at Grutness. Goldfinch at Boddam. Dusky Warbler at Quendale. 2 Black Redstart at Sanick.
5th November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Great Grey Shrike at Norwick.
Central Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Helendale, Lerwick.Yellow-browed Warbler at Hayfield, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Tree Pipit and Olive-backed Pipit at Grutness. 3 Black Redstart at Compass Head. American Wigeon at Loch of Spiggie. Black Redstart at Sanick. Hawfinch at Sandwick.
4th November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Great Grey Shrike at Norwick. 3 Mistle Thrush at Burrafirth.
West Mainland: Red-throated Pipit at Norby.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Scalloway. 3 Black Redstart at Staney Hill, Lerwick. 6 Goldfinch at Brae.
South Mainland: Male American Wigeon at Loch of Spiggie. Olive-backed Pipit at Levenwick. Mistle Thrush at Channerwick. Waxwing at Hoswick.
3rd November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Black Redstart at Cullivoe.
Whalsay: Grey Plover at Skaw
Trondra: Shoveler and Mistle Thrush on the island.
Central Mainland: Common Crossbill at Scalloway. Firecrest at Sound, Lerwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Waxwing at Law Lane, lerwick.
South Mainland: Great Grey Shrike at Channerwick.
2nd November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Great Grey Shrike at Norwick. Grey Phalarope at Hogaland.
Central Mainland: Firecrest at Sound, Lerwick. 6 Waxwing at Law Lane, lerwick.
South Mainland: Great Grey Shrike and Olive-backed Pipit at Grutness. Olive-backed Pipit at Levenwick.
Insect Sightings
West Mainland: Hummingbird Hawkmoth at Burn of Lunklet.
1st November 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 6 Waxwing and Red-breasted Flycatcher at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Willow Warbler at Maywick.
31st October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 6 Waxwing and Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Clickimin.
South Mainland: Eastern Stonechat at Spiggie.
30th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 4 Waxwing at Law Lane, Lerwick. Waxwing at South Nesting.
North Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher at Sullom.
29th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: King Eider at Scalloway. Arctic Redpoll at Clickimin. Waxwing at Lerwick..
South Mainland: Yellowhammer at Maywick.
Unst: Common Nightingale at Burrafirth.
Whale and Dolphin Sightings
Central Mainland: 3 Bottle-nosed Whale at Mossbank.
28th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Waxwing at Law Lane, Lerwick..
South Mainland: Bluethroat and Yellowhammer at Grutness. Oriental Turtle Dove at Brake. Great Grey Shrike at Quendale.
Out Skerries: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll and Yellowhammer on the isles.
Whale and Dolphin Sightings
Yell: 3 Bottle-nosed Whale at Burravoe.
27th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: King Eider at Scalloway. 2 Waxwing at Law Lane, Lerwick. Meditterranean Gull at Laxo.
South Mainland: Waxwing at Sumburgh Head. 2 Ring-necked Duck at Spiggie Loch. Great Grey Shrike at Quendale Mill. Bullfinch at Levenwick.
Out Skerries: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll on the isles.
Terrestrial Mammal Sightings:
Central Mainland: Nathusius's Pipistrelle at Voe.
26th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Olive-backed Pipit at Scalloway.
South Mainland: Long-eared Owl at Toab. Oriental Turtle Dove and Great Grey Shrike at Quendale Mill. Bullfinch at Levenwick.
Out Skerries: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll on the West Isle.
25th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Blyth's Reed Warbler at Law Lane, Lerwick. Red-flanked Bluetail still Kergord. Waxwing at Mulla, Voe.
South Mainland: Waxwing at Sumburgh Head. Barred Warbler and Yellowhammer at Grutness. 2 Waxwing at Toab. Oriental Turtle Dove at Quendale Mill. Greenfinch at Boddam. Bullfinch at Levenwick.
Out Skerries: Olive-backed Pipit and Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll on the isles.
Yell: Red-flanked Bluetail at Windhouse.
24th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Poor weather conditions today, but the easterlies continue to bring in new birds to find!
Central Mainland: Red-flanked Bluetail still Kergord. King Eider still at Scalloway.
Ist winter Mediterranean Gull at Laxo.
South Mainland: Long-eared Owl at Grutness and Durigarth. 26 Barnacle Geese at Toab. Oriental Turtle Dove (sp. meena) and Great Grey Shrike at Quendale Mill. Blyth's Reed Warbler at Bigton junction. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Maywick. 84 Barnacle Geese at Boddam. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldfinch, Siberian Chiffchaff at Claphoull, Cunningsburgh. 3 Barnacle Geese and Pink-footed Goose at Ness of Sound. Lesser Whitethroat at Easter Quarff.
Unst: Common Scoter at Easter Loch, and 4 Snow Bunting at Uyeasound.
Yell: Red-flanked Bluetail at Windhouse, with Common Scoter and Little Grebe at West Sandwick. 2 Rooks at Mid Yell.
23rd October 2022
Bird Sightings:
I am still waiting for those Waxwings! It's feeling autumnal out there with Woodcock and Jacksnipe, Bullfinch and Yellowhammer sightings today.
North Mainland: Crossbill at Sullom Plantation, and Common Scoter at Bardister.
Central Mainland: Eastern-type Lesser Whitethroat, Woodcock, Siberian Chiffchaff and 3 Brambling at Clickimin.
South Mainland: Desert Wheatear and 12 Snow Bunting at Scatness. Siberian Chiffchaff, Stonechat, Woodcock, Long-eared Owl at Sumburgh. Yellowhammer and Bullfinch at Sumburgh Farm. Short-eared Owl at Exnaboe. Bullfinch, 3 Jack Snipe, Great Grey Shrike, and Barn Swallow at Quendale. 2 Scaup and 100 Whooper Swans at Spiggie Loch. Woodcock, Ring Ouzel, and 8 Snow Bunting at Scousburgh Hill. 2 Woodcock at Rerwick. Shelduck at Boddam. 30 Brambling and Snow Bunting at Ireland. Blyth's Reed Warbler at Bigton junction. Yellow-browed Warbler at Maywick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Orca Inn, and a Ring Ouzel at Hoswick. 8 Brambling, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Woodcock at Sandwick.
Unst: Lapland Bunting at Skibhoul.
Yell: 6 Brambling at Brekon. White-billed Diver at West Sandwick Beach.
Whalsay: Woodcock, Jack snipe and Barnacle Goose at Skaw.
Out Skerries: Yellowhammer, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Jack Snipes and a Stonechat.
Mammal sightings:
No bat species picked up on bat detector at lower Voe last night.
Pod of Orca sighted at Burrastow House, Walls late in the afternoon.
18th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Today saw an increase in the number of Blackcaps and Goldfinch sightings. Whilst many of the scarce and rare birds remain on the islands, some have moved on.
Central Mainland: Tree Pipit and 2 Goldfinch at Brae Community Woodland. Sparrowhawk on Trondra.
King Eider still in Scalloway harbour. Red-flanked Bluetail was at Kergord.
South Mainland: Eastern Stonechat, Hawfinch, Sparrowhawk, Hen Harrier and Common Stonechat at Quendale. 28 Barnacle Geese at Fleck. 40 Goldfinch at Ireland. Chiffchaff and 7 Blackcap at Ellister.
Song Thrush at Levenwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Hoswick.
Unst: Parrot Crossbill at Ungirsta plantation. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Vaylie. Coot at Loch of Cliff. Goldfinch at Uyeasound.
Yell: Black-winged Stilt still at Loch of Papil.
Bressay: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll, Little Bunting, Reed Bunting, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 18 Blackcap, Merlin and Peregrine at Gorie.
19th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
It looks like the Black-winged Stilt left in clear calm conditions last night. Todays continuing calm conditions allowed some great cetacean sightings, with just a few new birds in.
Central Mainland: Olive-backed pipit near Voxter. Olive-backed pipit, Tree Pipit, 4 Mealy Redpoll, and 16 Goldfinch at Brae Community Woodland. Shoveler and 6 Goosander on Trondra. Red-flanked Bluetail at Eswick, South Nesting. Red-flanked Bluetail, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, 15 Blackcap, 3 Robin and 14 Fieldfare at Kergord. Ring-tailed Hen Harrier over Staney Hill, Pink-footed Goose at Ness of Sound, and Hawfinch at Helendale, Lerwick.
South Mainland: 6 Snow Bunting over Sumburgh Head. 2 Blackcap at Voe, Dunrossness.
Unst: Tree Pipit and 14 Goldfinch at Vaylie. Goldfinch at Buddabrake. 75 Long-tailed Duck at Uyeasound. Lesser Whitethroat and Northern Wheatear at Haroldswick.
Yell: Merlin at North Sandwick. Pink-footed Goose still Kirk Loch, and Dusky Warbler at Cullivoe Marina. Waxwing at Otterswick. Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Basta.
Mammal sightings:
Minke Whale off Reawick. Harbour Porpoise in South Nesting Bay. Risso's dolphin off Levenwick.
2 Orca sighted north of St. Ninian's Isle. Pod of 10 Orca seen heading south off the east side of Sumburgh Head. No. 27's pod were initially sighted off Burra, heading gradually northwards along the west coast, last seen off Dale of Walls. They were seen at Weisdale, Reawick, Scarvister, Burrastow and Dale of Walls.
20th October 2022
Bird Sightings
No less than 7 national rarities were recorded today, including 3 Red-flanked Bluetail! Only a hew peiople managed to connect with the Siberian Rubythroat, a bird everyone wants to see!
South Mainland: Desert Wheatear at Scatness. Siberian Rubythroat, Woodcock, 3 Jack Snipe, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 4 Robin, 5 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting, 5 Blackcap and 12 Goldcrest at Quendale. Blyth's Reed Warbler and Siberian Chiffchaff near Bigton. Barred Warbler and Siberian Chiffchaff at Hoswick burn. Yellow-browed Warbler and Red-flanked Bluetail at Orca Inn. 75+ Long-tailed Duck at West Voe, Sumburgh.
Central Mainland: Pallas's Warbler at Eswick, South Nesting. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Hayfield Road, Lerwick. Red-flanked Bluetail at Burn of Sound. Olive-backed Pipit and Tree Pipit at Brae Community Woodland. Woodcock at Kirkhouse Burn, Voe. 6 Bar-tailed Godwit at Sellaness.
Yell: Red-flanked Bluetail at Windhouse, and Siberian Chiffchaff at Hillend. Iceland Gull at Gutcher.
Out Skerries: Little Bunting
Mammals:
Bat sp at Voe House, Voe was taken by a Sparrowhawk. Further sightings of bats in locality over tlast few weeks.
21st October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Poor weather today hampered attempts to relocate yesterday's Desert Wheatear and Siberian Rubythroat.
Central Mainland: King Eider still Scalloway. Goldfinch at South Nesting. Tree Pipit, Goldfinch and Siberian Chiffchaff in Brae Community Woodland.
West Mainland: Magpie still in residence at Sandness. 14 Brambling and Merlin at Huxter.
South Mainland: Great Grey Shrike and Eastern Stonechat at Quendale. 2 female Ring-necked Duck, Scaup, Goosander, 3 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Pintails, and Glaucous Gull at Spiggie Loch. Blyth's Reed Warbler, Woodcock and Siberian Chiffchaff near Bigton.
Unst: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Baltasound, and at Ordaal. Woodcock and Tree Pipit at Norwick. Woodcock and Wheatear at Skaw.
Yell: Snow Bunting at Cullivoe.
Skerries: Ring Ouzel, Snow Bunting and Stonechat on the islands.
Mammal sightings:
27's pod of Orca were first sighted at the head of West Burrafirth Voe. They headed into Vementry, and Aith Voe before heading northwards towards Brae. They were last sighted off Papa Little later in the day.
21st October 2022
Bird Sightings:
The continuing easterly wind is bringing in plenty of new birds from Europe. 2 Waxwing arriving today surely spells the beginning of an influx of the berry-eating birds? Look out for them on Rosa Rugosa bushes, and listen for their trilling as they fly overhead!
North Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Hillswick. Jack Snipe and 60 Snow Bunting at Eshaness. 6 Snow Bunting at Nibon.
Central Mainland: 9 Goldfinch at Gonfirth. Pink-footed Goose still at Ness of Sound. Jackdaw and Yellow-browed Warbler at Helendale, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Magpie still in residence at Sandness. Waxwing at Melby.
South Mainland: Desert Wheatear rediscovered at Scatness, along with 10 Snow Bunting and Short-eared Owl Great Spotted Woodpecker at Sumburgh. 10 Goldfinch, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Tree Pipt, and 10 Brambling, and a fly-by Velvet Scoter at Grutness. Woodcock at Toab. Great Grey Shrike at Quendale. Long-eared Owl, 4 Siberian Chiffchaffs and Barred Warbler at Hillwell. Garden Warbler, Jack Snipe, Linnet and Brambling at Brake. 2 Ring-necked Duck at Spiggie. Waxwing at Levenwick. Blyth's Reed Warbler at Bigton junction. Red-flanked Bluetail still at Orca Inn, Hoswick.
Unst: Yellow Wagtail, Woodcock, Lesser Whitethroat and Snow Bunting at Norwick.
Yell: Pink-footed Goose still at Kirk Loch, and Blackcap at Gutcher. Chaffinch at Sellafirth.
Whalsay: Woodcock, Jack snipe and Barnacle Goose at Skaw.
Out Skerries: American Golden Plover with Golden Plover flock, 4 Jack Snipe, 2 Water Rail, Reed Bunting and 10 Brambling.
Mammal sightings:
Bat sp was seen in Halligarth, Unst.
Today was about Minke Whale's with records from Haroldswick, Skerries Of Skea, Nibon (2) and Hillswick.
15th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
This morning saw the arrival of thousands of irruptive migrants, mostly Redwing, having crossed the North Sea last night. Counts of 10,000 Redwing, and 300 Fieldfare streaming through Skaw, Whalsay. 1,300 Redwing flew over the Windfarm compound. There were numerous reports of large flocks of Redwing, Fieldfare and Song Thrush received from all corners of Shetland throughout the day.
North Mainland: 22 Snow Bunting at Collafirth Hill.
Central Mainland: King Eider still at Scalloway Harbour. Scaup at South Nesting. Hawfinch nr Northlink ferry terminal, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Ring-necked Duck and 3 Pochard at Spiggie loch.
Unst: Glossy Ibis at Skaw and near Easting Beach. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll and Hawfinch at Vaylie. Hawfinch at Haroldswick. 20 Snow Bunting nr Caldback.
Yell: Black-winged Stilt still at Loch of Papil, Cullivoe.
Mammal sightings:
Pod of Orca (27's) first sighted off North Roe, in the North Mainland this morning. They headed southwards at first before crossing Yell Sound, and heading southwards along the coast of Yell, before crossing back to the mainland. Last reported sighting was in Collafirth, Nr Voe.
Minke Whale off Ollaberry.
16th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
As the influx of Redwings continue to spread across the islands, bringing with them some surprizes, other autumn/winter birds are beginning to arrive in numbers; this includes Long-tailed Ducks, Wigeon, Teal, and Goldeneye.
Central Mainland: King Eider still at Scalloway Harbour. Olive-backed Pipit, Tree Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler and Greast Spotted Woodpecker at Brae Community Woodland.
West Mainland: Red-flanked Bluetail at Netherdale, Dale of Walls.
South Mainland: Siberian Chiffchaff and Barred Warbler at Hoswick. Ring-necked Duck, Garganey, Little Grebe at Spiggie loch. Black-tailed Godwit at Hillwell. Goldfinch at Boddam, and 8 between Sumburgh Head and Grutness. Iceland Gull south past Grutness. Barnacle Geese at Scatness (3) and Fleck (16). Eastern Stonechat still Quendale.
Unst: 2 Parrot Crossbill at Ungirsta plantation. Glossy Ibis at Skaw and near Easting Beach. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Shorestation. Yellow-browed Warbler at Vaylie. Goldfinch at Norwick beach. Barred warbler at Haroldswick. Iceland Gull at Belmont.
Yell: Black-winged Stilt still at Loch of Papil, and Pink-footed Goose at Kirk Loch, Cullivoe. Ring Ouzle and Chaffinch at North Aywick. 32 Brambling at Brekon.
Whalsay: Stonechat at Skaw.
Fetlar: Glossy Ibis at Tresta.
Mammal sightings:
Minke Whale off Gutcher heading north.
17th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
This autumn has seen a steady influx of Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll making us wonder if this year will break previous records? Today continued that trend with 4 individual birds being seen.
Central Mainland: Olive-backed Pipit at Brae Community Woodland. Goldfinch and 2 Arctic Redpoll at Gulberwick.
West Mainland: 2 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at West Burrafirth. 13 Brambling at Effirth.
South Mainland: Ring-necked Duck at Spiggie loch. Eastern Stonechat still Quendale. 2 Stonechat at Sumburgh Quarry. With Goldfinch seen at Maywick (13), Toab (7), and Grutness (2).
Unst: 2 Parrot Crossbill at Ungirsta plantation. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Vaylie.
Yell: Black-winged Stilt still at Loch of Papil, and Pink-footed Goose at Kirk Loch, Cullivoe.
Whalsay: 3 Goldfinch at Skaw.
Bressay: Dusky Warbler at Gorie.
Mammal sightings:
Pod of Orca initially sighted heading for Sullom Oil Terminal, before travelling into Sullom Voe, before heading northwards. They were last sighted heading north from North Roe.
14th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Thousands of Redwings have been seen, on radar, leaving Norway and heading out over the North Sea. This irruption will see large numbers reach our shores by morning. Food scarcity in Norway forces these birds to look further afield for food, swelling the usual numbers that reach our shores each autumn.
North Mainland: Female Ring-necked Duck still at West Loch, Eshaness.
Central Mainland: 3 Scaup at Mossbank. King Eider again at harbour, and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ladysmith Rd, Scalloway.
South Mainland: Ring-necked Duck at Spiggie. Eastern Stonechat still Quendale. Bluethroat at Grutness.
Unst: Ring Ouzle at Norwick and Haroldswick. 2 Hawfinch at Valyie. Mistle Thrush at Northdale.
Yell: Black-winged Stilt still at Loch of Papil, Cullivoe. 1st winter Mediterranean Gull off Ulsta.
Fetlar: Glossy Ibis and Goldfinch at Funzie.
Mammal sightings:
Humpback Whale sighted in Haroldswick, Unst. Single Orca sighted off Hammas Ness, Fetlar.
13th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Shelduck at Scalloway. Yellow-browed Warbler, Water Rail and Sparrowhawk at Kergord.
South Mainland: Hawfinch at Orcaquoy. Yellow-browed Warbler at Leebitton. 12 Barnacle Geese at Loch of Gards. 119 Whooper Swans on Spiggie loch. Siberian Chiffchaff at Quendale, with Arctic Tern in the bay.
Unst: Glossy Ibis at Skaw and near Easting Beach. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll, Hawfinch and Tree Pipit at Vaylie. Greenshank and Hawfinch at Haroldswick. Peregrine over Heritage Centre.
Yell: Black-winged Stilt still at Loch of Papil, Cullivoe.
Fetlar: Glossy Ibis at Funzie.
West Mainland: Long-staying Magpie still present at Sandness.
Mammal sightings:
No. 27's pod of Orca were seen first of Burrafirth, then later at Norwick, Unst.
11th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Increasing numbers of wintering Purple Sandpipers, Long-tailed Ducks and Great Northern Divers reported today. Skeins of Pink-footed Geese also reported flying over Shetland.
North Mainland: Ring-necked Duck and 14 Redpoll sp. at Eshaness. Great Grey Shrike, Jack Snipe, Chiffchaff and Redpoll sp. at Hillswick.
Central Mainland: King Eider at Scalloway. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Voe. Yellow-browed Warbler at Scatsta. 2 Stonechat at Staney Hill, and Chiffchaff at Anderson High School, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Dusky Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler at Orcaquoy. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Siberian Chiffchaff and 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick. Tree Sparrow, and 2 Barnacle Geese, Eastern Stonechat still Quendale Mill. 3 Barnacle Geese at Spiggie. 5 Pale-belled Brent Geese at Virkie. Glossy Ibis at Sumburgh.
Unst: Glossy Ibis at Skaw and near Easting Beach. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll and Lesser White-throat at Vaylie. Coot at Loch of Cliff. Yellow-browed Warbler at Halligarth, and a Bluethroat at the Distillary marsh. Peregrine over Crussa Field. Mediterranean Gull at Westing Beach.
Yell: Pink-footed Goose at Kirkloch, and Chiffchaff at Cullivoe.
Fetlar: Glossy Ibis at Funzie.
Bressay: Yellow-browed Warbler at Voehead.
Mammal sightings:
Basking Shark off Gutcher, and c8 Risso's Dolphins off Sandwick, Unst.
12th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: Ring-necked Duck still at West Loch, at Eshaness. Great Grey Shrike still at Hillswick.
Central Mainland: King Eider and 2 Grey Wagtails at Scalloway. Glaucous Gull at Lerwick fish market. Black-throated Diver at South Nesting.
South Mainland: Hawfinch at Orcaquoy. Black-throated Diver off St. Ninian's Isle. Eastern Stonechat still Quendale Mill. Pintail at Spiggie. 5 Pale-belled Brent Geese at Virkie. 18 Barnacle Geese at Scatness, with 24 Barnacle Geese over Sumburgh. Leach's Petrel off Sumburgh Runway.
Unst: Glossy Ibis at Skaw. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll, Hawfinch and Tree Pipit at Vaylie. Siberian Chiffchaff at Norwick. Bluethroat at the Distillary marsh. Peregrine at Muness.
Yell: Black-winged Stilt at Loch of Papil, Cullivoe.
10th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll and Yellow-browed Warbler at Valyie. 2 Grey Phalarope at Norwick.
Glossy Ibis at Easter Loch, and another at Easting. Barred Warbler around Saxa Vord.
Yell: Glossy Ibis at Burravoe. Pied Flycatcher at Windhouse, and Pink-footed Goose at Kirk Loch.
North Mainland: Great Grey Shrike still at Hillswick.
Central Mainland: White's Thrush close to Anderson High School, Lerwick. Glossy Ibis at Lunna, Vidlin.
3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Basta Voe, near Brae. Turtle Dove and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Gott. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Mulla, Voe. Glaucous Gull still Northlink Ferry terminal. Jackdaw and 8 Brambling at Kergord. Grey wagtail at Clickimin. Scaup at Loch of Tingwall.
South Mainland: Myrtle Warbler in pines between Ireland and Bigton. Hawfinch at Orcaquoy. Goosander at Wester Quarff.
Mammal sightings:
10 White-beaked Dolphin off Skaw, Whalsay heading north.
9th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll and Yellow-browed Warbler at Valyie. Ortolan Bunting, 2 Snow Bunting and Water Rail at Norwick. Glossy Ibis at Skaw, and at Easting. 90 Snow Bunting at East Hill, and a further 12 at Clibberswick Hill. 2 Ruff in Uyeasound.
Yell: Glossy Ibis at Burravoe.
North Mainland: Ring-necked Duck at West Loch, Eshaness. Ruff near Hillswick.
Central Mainland: White's Thrush close to Anderson High School. and Wood Warbler at Helendale, Lerwick. Red-necked Grebe in Scalloway Harbour. Glossy Ibis at Lunna, Vidlin. Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 2 Siskin and 2 Mealy Redpoll at Brae Community Woodland. 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Basta Voe, near Brae.
South Mainland: Water Rail and Chiffchaff at Grutness. Merlin at Orcaquoy. 5 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Virkie.
8th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: White-tailed Eagle at North Roe. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Hillswick. Ring-necked Duck at Eshaness.
West Mainland: Grey Phalarope at Melby.
Central Mainland: King Eider at Wester Quarff. Olive-backed Pipit at Brae.
South Mainland: Yellow-rumped Warbler at Ireland.
Unst: Ortolan Bunting at Norwick. Glossy Ibis at Skaw, Blyth's Reed Warbler at Millfield. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Vaylie.
7th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: Great Grey Shrike, 2 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Hillswick.
West Mainland: Magpie at Sandness.
Central Mainland: King Eider at Scalloway. Stock Dove at Helendale. Turtle Dove at Gottl. Olive-backed Pipit at Brae.
South Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Virkie.. Eastern Stonechat sp. at Quendale. Least Bittern at Scousburgh. Yellow-rumped Warbler at Maywick. Yellow-rumped Warbler at Ireland.
Out Skerries: Olive-backed Pipit at Bruray.
Foula: Ring-necked Duck at Mill Loch.
Fetlar: Glossy Ibis and American Golden Plover at Funzie.
Unst: Ortolan Bunting at Norwick. 2 Glossy Ibis at Skaw, Glossy Ibis at Norwick.
6th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Gulberwick.
South Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Toab. Eastern Stonechat sp. at Quendale. Yellow-rumped Warbler at Maywick.
Out Skerries: Olive-backed Pipit at Bruray.
Fetlar: 3 Glossy Ibis, American Golden Plover,and Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Funzie.
Unst: Ortolan Bunting at Norwick. Glossy Ibis at Feall.
Foula: 2 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll
5th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: Great Grey Shrike, 2 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll and Pechora Pipit at Hillswick. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Ollaberry.
West Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Dale of Walls.
Central Mainland: King Eider at Scalloway.
South Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Toab. Eastern Stonechat sp. at Quendale. Yellow-rumped Warbler at Maywick. Olive-backed Pipit at Levenwick.
Out Skerries: Olive-backed Pipit at Bruray.
Fetlar: American Golden Plover,and Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Funzie. Pectoral Sandpiper at Aithbank.
Unst: Ortolan Bunting at Norwick. Blyth's Reed Warbler at Vaylie. 6 Glossy Ibis at Skaw.
4th October 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: Great Grey Shrike 2 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll and Pechora Pipit at Hillswick.
South Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Toab. Eastern Stonechat sp. at Quendale. Lanceolated Warbler at Wester Quarff.
Out Skerries: Olive-backed Pipit at Bruray.
Fetlar: Barn Owl at Houbie.
Unst: Ortolan Bunting at Norwick.
3rd October 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: Great Grey Shrike and Pechora Pipit at Hillswick.
Central Mainland: American Golden Plover at Lerwick. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Sound, Lerwick. Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Gott. Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Brae.
South Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Virkie. Coue's Arctic Redpoll at Boddam. Eastern Stonechat sp. at Quendale. King Eider at Wester Quarff.
West Mainland: Olive-backed Pipit at Micheal's Wood, Aith.
Out Skerries: Olive-backed Pipit at Bruray.
Foula: 2 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Braidfit.
Fetlar: American Golden Plover at Houbie.
Yell: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Mid Yell.
Unst: Ortolan Bunting at Norwick.
2nd October 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: Great Grey Shrike at Hillswick.
Central Mainland: Olive-backed Pipit at Girlsta. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Voe. Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Brae.
South Mainland: Grey Phalarope at Sumburgh Head. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Toab. Dusky Warbler and Eastern Stonechat sp. at Quendale. King Eider at Wester Quarff.
West Mainland: Olive-backed Pipit at Micheal's Wood, Aith.
Trondra: Olive-backed Pipit at Hogaland.
Out Skerries: Olive-backed Pipit at Bruray.
Foula: Olive-backed Pipit at Harrier. 2 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Braidfit.
Yell: 2 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Mid Yell.
Unst: Ortolan Bunting at Norwick. Barn Owl at Baltasound.
1st October 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: Great Grey Shrike and Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Hillswick.
Central Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Voe.
West Mainland: 2 Olive-backed Pipit at Skeld.
South Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Toab. Dusky Warbler and Eastern Stonechat sp. at Quendale.
Out Skerries: Olive-backed Pipit.
Yell: Swainson's Thrush at West Yell. Siberian Thrush and 2 Hornemann's Redpoll at Mid Yell.
Unst: Ortolan Bunting at Millfield. Ortolan Bunting at Haroldswick. Barn Owl at Northdale.
30th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: Great Grey Shrike at Hillswick.
Central Mainland: Long-tailed Skua at Gulberwick. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Voe.
South Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Toab.
Yell: Swainson's Thrush at West Yell.
Unst: Ortolan Bunting at Millfield.
29th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: Great Grey Shrike at Hillswick. Bluethroat at Eshaness.
Central Mainland: Turtle Dove at Tingwall. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Voe.
West Mainland: Mediterranean Gull at Loch of Norby.
South Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Toab. Osprey at Exnaboe. Eastern Stonechat sp. at Quendale. Olive-backed Pipit at Levenwick.
Yell: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Burravoe. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Hillend, Mid Yell. Swainson's Thrush at West Yell.
Unst: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Uyeasound. Blyth's Reed Warbler at North Dale.
Foula : 3 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll.
Whalsay: White-billed Diver at Skaw.
28th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
North Mainland: Great Grey Shrike at Hillswick.
Central Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Lunna.
South Mainland: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Toab. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Brake. Blyth's Reed Warbler at Ireland.
Yell: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Unst: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Uyeasound.
27th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Male Surf Scoter at Gulberwick. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Lunna.
West Mainland: Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Walls Magpie at Sandness
South Mainland: Olive-backed Pipit at Quendale. Pectoral Sandpiper at Loch of Spiggie. King Eider at Wester Quarff.
Unst: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Burrafirth.
26th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Male Surf Scoter at Gulberwick. Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Lunna.
West Mainland: Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Walls
25th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: 2 Pectoral Sandpiper at Loch of Browbeck.
Central Mainland: Male Surf Scoter at Gulberwick.
Yell: Male King Eider at Basta Voe.
Unst: Juvenile Woodchat Shrike at Feall.
24th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: 5 Pectoral Sandpiper at Loch of Browbeck. Marsh Harrier at Loch of Spiggie.
Central Mainland: Male Surf Scoter at Gulberwick.
Unst: Juvenile Woodchat Shrike at Feall.
23rd September 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Male Surf Scoter at Gulberwick.
Whalsay: White-billed Diver at Skaw.
22nd September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale.
West Mainland: Magpie at Sandness.
21st September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale. Pectoral Sandpiper at Loch of Spiggie.
20th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Marsh Harrier at Loch of Spiggie.
Yell: Arctic Warbler at Arisdale Burn.
19th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale. 2 Arctic Warbler at Scousburgh.
West Mainland: Magpie at Sandness.
Unst: Red-backed Shrike at Quoys.2 Common Rosefinch at Burrafirth.
18th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Marsh Harrier and Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale. Pectoral Sandpiper at Spiggie.
Central Mainland: Citrine Wagtail at Pullar's Loch, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Magpie at Sandness. Grey Phalarope at Melby.
Bressay: Turtle Dove on Isle of Noss.
17th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale. Pectoral Sandpiper at Spiggie.
Central Mainland: Citrine Wagtail at Pullar's Loch, Lerwick.
Bressay: Turtle Dove on Isle of Noss.
Unst: Barred Warbler at Haroldswick.
16th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: White-tailed Eagle and Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale.
Central Mainland: Citrine Wagtail at Pullar's Loch, Lerwick.
15th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale. Red-backed Shrike at Spiggie.
Central Mainland: Citrine Wagtail at Pullar's Loch, Lerwick.
Whale and Dolphin Sightings:
South Mainland: Humpack Whale off Levenwick.
14th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale. Pectoral Sandpiper and Marsh Harrier at Spiggie. White-tailed Eagle at Bigton.
Unst: Blyth's Reed Warbler at Haroldswick.
13th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale. Osprey at Spiggie. White-tailed Eagle at Channerwick. Arctic Warbler at Swinister, Sandwick.
Unst: Arctic Warbler and Barred Warbler at Halligarth. Barred Warbler at Norwick.
12th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale. White-tailed Eagle at Levenwick.
North Mainland: Citrine Wagtail at Hillswick.
Yell: Red-backed Shrike at Otterswick.
Unst: Arctic Warbler at Baltasound.
11th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Curlew Sandpiper at Virkie. Ortolan Bunting at Toab. Hobby and Western Bonelli's Warbler at Quendale. Arctic Warbler at Geosetter. Arctic Warbler at Maywick.
Unst: Arctic Warbler at Baltasound.
10th September 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Pectoral Sandpiper at Virkie. Bonelli's Warbler sp. at Toab. Bonelli's Warbler sp. at Quendale. 2 Arctic Warbler at Geosetter. Blyth's Reed Warbler at Wester Quarff.
Out Skerries: Grey Phalarope.
West Mainland: Magpie at Sandness.
Unst: Arctic Warbler at Baltasound.
22nd July 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Grey Plover at Pool of Virkie.
Mammal sightings:
Pod of Orca initially sighted in Noss Sound, before travelling southwards, and being last seen off Sumburgh Head. Pod of Harbour Porpoise were also present in Mousa Sound.
21st July 2022
Bird Sightings:
Noss: 2 Common Swift at Noup.
Central Mainland: Record number of swans on Loch of Benston today, with 38 Whooper and 17 Mute counted.
West Mainland: Common Sandpiper at Stanevatsvoe, and 5 Sanderling at Melby beach.
South Mainland: White-tailed Eagle seen again near Sandwick.
Invertebrate sightings:
Moths: Grey Mountain Carpet trapped at Mid Yell. Bright-line Brown-eye trapped at Bakkasetter.
Mammal sightings:
2 Minke Whale off Federland, North Roe. Pod of Orca initially sighted off Samphry, Yell where seen moving up and down the sound between Mainland and Yell, before being last seen in Firths Voe.
20th July 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Green Sandpiper on Henry's Loch, at Quarff. 20 Goosander at Weisdale Voe.
Invertebrate sightings:
Moths: Double Dart was on Trondra, and Cabbage Moth was at Law Lane, Lerwick.
Mammal sightings:
Pod of Risso's Dolphin, Minke Whale, and probable Humpback seen off Heoga Ness, Yell.
Pod of Common Dolphin seen from fishing vessel at back of Muckle Roe.
19th July 2022
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 3 Sanderling at Papil, Cullivoe. A colour-ringed Oystercatcher was at West Sandwick.
South Mainland: Juvenile Common Crossbill at Virkie.
Invertebrate sightings:
Moths: A Dun-bar was in Catfirth, and a Magpie was at Bakkasetter. 3 Nomophila Noctuella migrants were at West Burrafirth.
Mammal sightings:
Minke Whale was off Ketla Ness, and 3 Harbour Porpoise were off Meal Beach on Burra.
2 Harbour Porpoise were off Balta Isle, Unst, with another 2 at Levenwick.
4 Risso's Dolphin were seen from Good Shepherd, 2 miles north of Fair Isle.
18th July 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: White-rumped Sandpiper still at Pool of Virkie. Quail calling at Bakkasetter, and White-tailed Eagle again at Channerwick.
Central Mainland: Lesser Redpoll at Mulla, Voe.
Mammal sightings:
The calm weather ensured there were lots of sightings today. A pod of Orca were spotted off Sumburgh Head before making their way northwards along the west coast as far as Hamnavoe.
15+ Risso's Dolphin and a Harbour Porpoise were in Haroldswick, Unst. 2 Common Dolphin again in Aith Voe, on the west mainland.
A Minke Whale and 4 Harbour Porpoise were at Heoga Ness, Yell. 2 Minke Whales were at Skaw, Whalsay.
More Harbour Porpoise were reported from Skeld Voe (10), Mousa Sound (3), Levenwick (4), Dalsetter (3).
16th July 2022
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: Sandwich Tern at Virkie.
Mammal sightings:
1Orca sighted off Culswick, West Mainland, and 2 were seen off Sumburgh Head.
3 Minke Whale between Whalsay and Out Skerries, with another seen off Isbister, Whalsay.
2 Harbour Porpoise at Heoga Ness, Burravoe, Yell.
17th July 2022
Bird Sightings:
West Mainland: Magpie resident still in Sandness. 2 Manx Shearwaters off Skelda Ness.
South Mainland: White-rumped Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie along with 2 Sandwich Terns.
Mammal sightings:
On the West Mainland, 2 Common Dolphin were in Aith Voe, and 2 Orca were off Papa Stour. A Minke Whale was off the Houb, in Whalsay.
15th July 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Fledged Robin was at North Road, Lerwick.
Mammal sightings:
Minke Whale seen off Bressay, and another off Out Skerries.
14th July 2022
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Carrion Crow at Saxa Vord.
Noss: 2 Common Swifts at the Noup.
Central Mainland: Quail calling at South Nesting. Stonechat at Mulla, Voe. Swan numbers are building at Loch of Benston with 29 Whooper and 18 Mute present today.
South Mainland: Grey Wagtail at Hoswick Burn. 2 Siskin and 2 Goldfinch at Quendale.
Mammal sightings:
Basking Shark reported off Mousa. A pod of dolphin briefly entered Scalloway Harbour.
13th July 2022
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 175 Rook and Jackdaw at Kergord.