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2023 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.

 

31st December 2023

Bird Sightings: 

No News Today

 

30th December 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Pink-footed Goose, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover and 4 Sanderling at Uyeasound.  

Yell:  Snow Bunting at Gutcher.  

North Mainland: 32 Snow Bunting and Woodcock on Ronas Hill.  

Central Mainland: 150 Eider off Burland, Trondra.  Coot and 30 Tufted Duck on Loch of Tingwall.  4 Bullfinch close to Lerwick Power Station. 

West MainlandWhite-billed Diver off Vaila, seen from Foula Mailboat.   

South Mainland: 4 Sanderling at West Voe.  Scaup and 2 Coot on Loch of Spiggie.  

Mammals:

Fin Whale identified from drone footage close to shore at Uyeasound, Unst.  Also seen there on 31st Dec.  

 

29th December 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: 2 Glaucous Gull at Westing.  Pink-footed Goose at Uyeasound.  Knot at Baltasound.  

Yell:  Snow Bunting at Gutcher.  

Foula:  2 Velvet Scoter, Cormorant and Glaucous Gull in Ham Voe.  

Whalsay:  Hen Harrier at Symbister.  

South Mainland: 2 European White-fronted Geese at Ringasta.  

 

28th December 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst:  2 Snow Buntings at Norwick.  Water Rail at Baltasound.  Moorhen at Northdale Pines.  White-fronted Goose, Pink-footed Goose and Velvet Scoter off Hamar.  

Central Mainland:  Carrion Crow at Veensgarth, Tingwall.  

South Mainland: Ring-tail Hen Harrier at Dalsetter.  

 

27th December 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst:  Moorhen at Norwick, and Iceland Gull at Haroldswick.  

Central Mainland: 2 Chaffinch in Brae.  

 

26th December 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Yell:  Goldcrest at Hillend.  Iceland Gull at Papil, Cullivoe.  

Central Mainland:  2 Great Northern Diver at Minn Beach.  Coot at Loch of Tingwall.  6 Velvet Scoter at South Nesting.  Blue Tit and Wood Pigeon at Helendale.  

South Mainland: Blue Tit in Sandwick.    

 

25th December 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst:  Water Rail at Baltasound.    

Central Mainland:  4 Common Scoter at Vassa Voe.   

South Mainland: Hen Harrier at Sumburgh airport.   

 

24th December 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Glaucous Gull at Burrafirth.  Wood Pigeon and Meadow Pipit at Baltasound.  

Yell:  Snow Bunting at Gutcher.  

Central Mainland:  6 Goldfinch at Stendaal, South Nesting.  

South Mainland: 4 Scaup and Spiggie.  Ring-tail Hen Harrier at Noness, Sandwick.   

 

1st November 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: 

Foula:              The missing dates will be added as soon as is practical - thank you for your continued patience.  

Central Mainland

South Mainland

 

30th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula: Siberian Rubythroat at Hametoun and Red Kite on the isle.

Central Mainland: Northern Treecreeper still at Helendale. Magpie still at Lerwick. Magpie at Stromfirth.

 

31st October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll still at Baltasound as well as 3 Coues's Arctic Redpolls.

Foula: Siberian Rubythroat still at Hametoun.

Central Mainland: Northern Treecreeper still at Helendale.

South Mainland: Firecrest still at Hoswick. 

 

28th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Central Mainland: Northern Treecreeper at Kergord. Northern Treecreeper still at Helendale. Magpie still at Lerwick.

South Mainland: Firecrest at Hoswick. Cattle Egret back at Ringasta. Glossy Ibis still at Quendale but killed by Ravens.

 

29th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Central Mainland: Northern Treecreeper still at Helendale.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret still at Ringasta. 

 

26th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Male Pied Wheatear at Burrafirth.  Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll still at Baltasound.

Central Mainland: Northern Treecreepers still at Helendale and in the Lerwick lanes. Firecrest at Frakkafield. Magpie still at Lerwick.

 

27th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Central Mainland: Northern Treecreeper still at Helendale. Magpie still at Lerwick.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret back at Quendale and Glossy Ibis still there.

 

25th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll still at Baltasound.

Central Mainland: Northern Treecreepers still at Helendale and in the Lerwick lanes.

South Mainland: Glossy Ibis still at Quendale. 

 
16th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

West Mainland: Magpie at Sandness.

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler still at Hoswick. Cattle Egret at Ringasta.  

 
17th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Same Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll now at Baltasound. 

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler still at Hoswick. Cattle Egret at Ringasta.  

 
18th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Fetlar: Firecrest at Houbie.

Central Mainland: Magpie at Lerwick.

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler still at Hoswick. Cattle Egret at Ringasta.  

 
19th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Northern Treecreeper at Valyie, Norwick. 

Whalsay: 3 Continental Coal Tits and Northern Treecreeper at Skaw.

 
20th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Minimum of 23 Continental Coal Tits recorded at various sites as influx begins. Also Bullfinches, Blue Tits and Great Tits begin arriving.

Unst: Northern Treecreeper still at Valyie, Norwick. 

Whalsay: Western Olivaceous Warbler at Skibberhoul: first for Britain.

Foula: Female American Wigeon at Mill Loch.

Central Mainland: Firecrest at Kergord.

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler still at Hoswick. Cattle Egret still at Quendale.

 
21st October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Coues's Arctic Redpoll at Northdale. Two Coues's Arctic Redpolls and the Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Baltasound.

Whalsay: Western Olivaceous Warbler still at Skibberhoul: first for Britain.

Foula: Coues's Arctic Redpolls at South Ness.

Central Mainland: Coues's Arctic Redpolls at Billister, North Nesting. Northern Treecreeper at Helendale. Firecrest at Swining.

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler still at Hoswick.

 
22nd October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula: Female American Wigeon still at Mill Loch.

Central Mainland: Northern Treecreepers at Helendale and Hayfield in Lerwick.

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler still at Hoswick. Glossy Ibis and Rough-legged Buzzard at Quendale, as well as Cattle Egret still present.

 
23rd October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula: Three Cattle Egrets on stack off the north coast.

West Mainland: Red Kite at Dale of Walls.

Central Mainland: Pallid Swift at Lerwick. Northern Treecreeper still at Helendale. Firecrest still at Kergord.

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler still at Hoswick. Glossy Ibis and Rough-legged Buzzard still at Quendale.

 
24th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Central Mainland: Red-flanked Bluetail at Staney Hill, Lerwick. Magpie still at Lerwick.

South Mainland: Glossy Ibis still at Quendale. Cattle Egret now at Toab.

 
15th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

West Mainland: Magpie at Norby.

Central Mainland: Siberian Stonechat still at Hamnavoe, Lunna Ness. 

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler still at Hoswick. Cattle Egret at Ringasta.  

 
12th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll & 2 Hawfinch at Norwick. Pectoral Sandpiper at Westings. Tree Pipit at Clibberswick. Slavonian Grebe at Haroldswick.

Whalsay: 2 Waxwing at Isbister.

Foula: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Ham.

North Mainland: Snow Bunting at Eshaness Lighthouse & Grey Plover at Stenness junction.

West Mainland: Common Redpoll & Lesser Redpoll at Fogrigarth.

Central Mainland: Waxwing at Voe. Siberian Stonechat still at Hamnavoe, Lunna Ness. Ringtail harrier at Kergord  and Siberian Chiffchaff at Asta.

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler at Hoswick. Whinchat & Brambling at Sannick. Slavonian Grebe at West Voe.

Cetacean Sightings:

Report of Orca from Belmont Ferry.

 
11th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst:   Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll, 2 Hawfinch & Grey Wagtail at Norwick. Pied Wheatear still at Northdale. Slavonian Grebe at Haroldswick.

Yell: Surf Scoter  off Burravoe.

Fetlar:  White-crowned Sparrow still at Peerie House, Houbie.

Central Mainland: Siberian Stonechat still at Hamnavoe, Lunna Ness. Magpie at Kergord. 400 Redwing near Veensgarth. Scaup at Loch of Tingwall. 16 Knot & 48 Oystercatcher on AHS playing fields.

South Mainland: Slavonian Grebe at West Voe of Sumburgh.

 
13th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll still at Norwick. 

Yell: Juvenile Surf Scoter at Burravoe.

Central Mainland: Siberian Stonechat still at Hamnavoe, Lunna Ness. 

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler still at Hoswick. American Golden Plover at Skelberry. 

 
14th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll still at Norwick. 

Central Mainland: Siberian Stonechat still at Hamnavoe, Lunna Ness. 

South Mainland: Yellow Warbler still at Hoswick. Cattle Egret at Ringasta. 

 
10th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst:   Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll, Mealy Redpoll, 25 Brambling and brief visit from Common Swift at Valyie.  . Pied Wheatear still at Northdale. Hawfinch at Norwick and 2 Hawfinch at Leawart. Little Bunting, Yellow-browed Warbler & Siberian Chiffchaff at Setter Hill Estate (SHE) and 11 Snow Bunting on East Hill. 2 Waxwing at Halligarth. 2 Velvet Scoter off Baltasound. Short-eared Owl on fishing boat 10 miles north of Unst.

Yell: Surf Scoter still off Burravoe - visible from end of Old Haa road

Fetlar:  White-crowned Sparrow still at Peerie House, Houbie . 2 Grey Plover & 2 Brambling at Funzie..

Whalsay: Common Rosefinch at Skaw.

Foula: American Wigeon on Mill Loch.

Bressay: White's Thrush still at Gorie plantation & Song Thrush. Blackcap at Voehead.

North Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Gluss.

Central Mainland: Barred Warbler near Garths cemetry, South Nesting. Yellow-browed Warbler & Garden Warbler at Kergord. Curlew Sandpiper briefly at Sea Road, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret still at Sumburgh Farm.

Insect Sightings

 5 Angleshades, 3 Dark Sword-grass & Setaceous Hebrew Character on sugar at Bakkasetter.

 
9th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Summary:  Continued migration of Redwing, Fieldfare & Brambling reported along with other common migrants including Robin, Blackcap & Goldcrest.

Unst:  2 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll & 2 Waxwing briefly at Valyie. Also Ring Ouzel, Pied Flycatcher, Common Rosefinch, Hawfinch, Siskin & Redpoll sp at Valyie and Waxwing at Norwick.. Pied Wheatear at Northdale. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Burrafirth Shore Station. 3 Ring Ouzel at Leawart. Yellow-browed Warbler at Uyeasound, Baltasound and Setter Hill Estate (SHE). Also at SHE, Little Bunting & Sparrowhawk. Dusky Warbler at Alma/Westbrek Road. Siberian Chiffchaff along road to Eastings.

Yell: Surf Scoter off Burravoe.

Fetlar:  White-crowned Sparrow still at Peerie House, Houbie + Little Bunting in area. Ring Ouzel & Lesser Whitethroat at Tresta.

Out Skerries:  Bluethroat, Common Rosefinch, 10 Chiffchaff & Lapland Bunting.

Bressay: White's Thrush still at Gorie plantation & Red-breasted Flycatcher. Long-billed Dowitcher at Leira Voe. Slavonian Grebe at Noss Sound.

North Mainland: Ring Ouzel at Sandgarth. Grey Plover & Yellow-browed Warbler at Scatsta. Barred Warbler & Reed Bunting at Hillswick. Ring Ouzel & Stonechat at Collafirth.

Central Mainland: Siberian Stonechat at Hamnavoe, Lunna.  Magpie and Tundra Bean Goose at Kergord. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Garth, South Nesting. Ring Ouzel & Hawfinch on hill above Anderson High School and Yellow-browed Warbler at Clickimin, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret still at Sumburgh Farm and Yellow-browed Warbler & Pied Flycatcher at Sumburgh Head. Short-eared Owl over Scatness. 123 Shag at West Voe. 4 Snow Bunting and138 Turnstone at Grutness. 4 Ring Ouzel & Song Thrush at Mossy Hill. Bluethroat at Bakkasetter. Siberian Chiffchaff at Hoswick. Ring Ouzel and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Levenwick. 16 Pink-footed Geese over Hoswick & 18 over Sumburgh Head. 

 

Cetacean Sightings:

 4 Orcas reported off Mangaster travelling south. 27s Orca pod at Stenness and Eshaness.

 
8th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: American Golden Plover with flock of 150+ Golden Plover at East Hill. Lapland Bunting, Short-eared Owl and 60 Snow Bunting flew over Halligarth.  3 Fieldfare at Uyeasound.  Dusky Wabler, 12 Brambling, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 siskin, Pied Flycatcher, Hawfinch, Waxwing, and lesser White throat at Valyie. Velvet Scoter, Long-eared Owl and Curlew Sandpiper still at Houb Baltasound. 3 Brambling and Lesser Whitethroat at Burrafirth. Little Bunting at Setter Hill Estate (SHE).

Fetlar:  White-crowned Sparrow at Peerie House garden.

Out Skerries:  Richard's Pipit, 2 Rosefinch, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Robin, 4 Blackcap, 11 Twite, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Brambling, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jack Snipe, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Fieldfare, Whinchat, 30 Redwing, 56 Snow Bunting and a Little Auk from the Ferry. 

Bressey: White's Thrush still there.

North Mainland: 25 Snow Bunting, 30+ Twite and Jack snipe at Eshaness.

West Mainland:  4 Goldeneye at Hula water, Shoveler at Loch of Norby. 5 Red Grouse at Burn of Lunket.

Central Mainland: Siberian Stonechat still at Luna.  Barred Wabler and Yellow-browed Wabler at Lerwick. Lesser Whitethroat at Muckle Roe.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret still at Sumburgh Farm and a Hen Harrier.  Wood Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler at Hillwell.  6 Snow bunting at Grutness.  Kestrel and Yellow-browed Warbler at Channerwick.  2 Long-tail duck, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, 2 Knot at Quendale.  Little Bunting at Cunningsburgh.  Common Rosefinch at Geosetter.

Cetacean:  Risso's Dolphins reported off Bluebell sound Ferry and Minke Whale seen off Braewick.

 
7th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: 2 Pintail and a Peregrine at Skaw.  2 Tree Pipit, Pied Flycatcher, 3 Rosefinch, Lesser Whitethroat and Song Thrush at Norwick.  Barred Warbler at Haroldswick, Lesser Whitethroat at Uyeasound.  Blackcap at Leawart. and Curlew Sandpiper still at Houb.

Foula:  Olive Backed Pipit

Out Skerries:  Rosefinch and Chiffchaff.

Fetlar:  Ring Ouzel reported

Yell: Red-flanked Bluetail.

Bressay: White's Thrush still, Yellow-browed Warbler,  Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 3 Ruff and Goldcrest.

North Mainland: 20 Snow Bunting, Arctic Redpoll, Rosefinch, Twite and Jack Snipe at Eshaness.

West Mainland: Amur Stonechat at Norby still along with a Cormorant and Whinchat.  Blyth's Reed Warbler at Melby.  Barred warbler at Da Gardins O'Sand. Siberian Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler, Brambling and 300+ Redwing at Walls.  Yellow-browed Warbler and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Vementry.

Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at lower Voe, 5 Mealy Redpoll, Fieldfare, Garden Warbler, Grey wagtail at Sullom.  Reed Warbler at Voxter.  2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 Redpoll and 2 Crossbill at Brae. Yellow-browed Warbler, Redpoll, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, 4 Purple Sandpiper and a Brambling at Lerwick. Eastern Subalpine Warbler and Hawfinch still at West Quarff along with 4 Brambling, 2 chiffchaff, 3 Robin, 2 Blackcap, Siskin, 3 Goldcrest, Barred Warbler and 50+ Redwing. Siberian Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Yellow-browed Warbler and brambling at Scalloway.  Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, and Fieldfare at Muckle Roe.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret still at Sumburgh Farm.  4 Pintail, 5 Moorhen and a Shoveler at Hillwell. Icterine Warbler at Bigton.  Barred Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick.  4 Pochard at Spiggie.  Marsh Warbler, 2 Great Northern Diver, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 9 Red-throated Diver, Ruff, Knot, 16 Oystercatcher, Peregrine, Slavonian Grebe, Common Scoter at Quendale.  Lesser Whitethroat and Yellow-browed Warbler at Levenwick.  Lesser Whitethroat, Whooper Swan, Great Northern Diver at Exnaboe.

Cetacean:  Common Dolphins crossing Papa Sound this morning and 7-8 Risso's Dolphins reported off Urafirth Voe tonight.

 
6th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Summary:  The seasonal migration continues all over Shetland with lots of reported sights of flocks of Redwing.

Unst: Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Barred Warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Rosefinch, 100+ Redwing at Norwick. Arctic Warbler, Still 100+ Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap and 2 Whinchat at Skaw. Song Thrush and Northern Wheatear at Westing.

Out Skerries:  2 Rosefinch

Fetlar:  Ring Ouzel reported

Yell:  Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick, Ring Ouzel and Greenshank at Mid Yell.

Bressay: White's Thrush still, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher, Goldcrest and 2 Redwing.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover still at Skaw.

North Mainland: Pink-footed Goose at Braewick.  

West Mainland: Amur Stonechat at Norby.  Grasshopper Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at Melby.  Red-breasted Flycatcher and Barred Warbler at Da Gardins O'Sand.  23 Goosander at Tresta.  7 Goosander and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Dale of Walls.

Central Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Swallow, 2 Brambling, Song thrush, 30-40 Redwing and a Great Spotted Woodpecker at Vidlin.  Tree Pipit at Brae.  Honey Buzzard and Red-throated Diver at Gulberwick. Eastern Subalpine Warbler and Hawfinch still at West Quarff. 2 Merlin and a Sparrowhawk at Kergord. Long-eared Owl and Sparrowhawk at Urdale.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret still at Sumburgh Farm along with a White Wagtail. 10 Snow Bunting still at Grutness.  3 Goldeneye at Spiggie Loch.  3 Yellow-browed Warbler between Toab and Exnaboe.  Little Bunting at Boddam.  Brambling at Sandwick.

 
5th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Summary:  The seasonal migration continues all over Shetland.

Unst: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Rosefinch, Hen Harrier still and Whinchat at Northdale.  Arctic Warbler, Still and Whinchat at Skaw. Rosefinch, Little Bunting and Yellow-browed Warbler at Shore station.  Siberian Chiffchaff at Hermaness. Swallow at Haroldswick, 3 Rosefinch and a Brambling at Valyie, Curlew Sandpiper back at the Houb.

Fetlar:  Yellow-browed Warbler

Bressay: White's Thrush still, Magpie 2 Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Yellow-browed Warbler, Long-tailed duck and 5 Goosander.

North Mainland: Pink-footed Goose at Braewick.  Hawfinch at Murrion. 14  Grey Heron at Haggrister.

West Mainland: 3 Yellow-browed Warbler and a  Barred Warbler at Sandness.  Rosefinch, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler and a suspected Stejneger's Eastern Stonechat at Melby.  Blyth's Reed Warbler, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler and a Goldfinch at Dale of Walls.

Central Mainland: Lots of Redwing recorded overnight between 1-4am.  Siberian Stonechat still at Lunna. Hawfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Crossbill at Lerwick.  Eastern Subalpine Wabler and  Northern Tree Creeper still at West Quarff.  Barred Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest and 50 Redwing at Kergord. 4 Red-throated Diver and 6 Great Northern Diver at South Nesting Bay.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret still at Sumburgh Farm. Yellow-browed Warbler, Robin, Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 11 Snow Bunting and a Great Northern Diver at Grutness.  Mealy redpoll and Blackcap at Hoswick.  Redstart, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap and 30+Redwing at Geosetter.  Arctic Warbler at Levenwick. Barred Warbler at Cunningsburgh.  Red-breasted Flycatcher at Fladdibister.  3 Yellow-browed Warbler between Toab and Exnaboe.

Cetacean:  Small pods of active Risso's Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise and a Minke Whale throughout the day reported off South Mainland.  A Risso's Dolphin was reported off Haroldswick, Unst.

Insects:  Convolvulus Hawkmoth was reported overnight at Scalloway.

 
4th October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Summary:  The seasonal migration continues all over Shetland.

Unst: Merlin, Hen Harrier and Whinchat at Northdale.  Arctic Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, at Skaw. Barred Warbler, Tree Pipit, Reed Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Rosefinch at Norwick and Northdale.  2 Short Eared Owls, Pink-footed and Pale-ballied Geese at Baltasound.  Little Egret at Snarravoe. 2 Reed Wabler at Halligarth.  3 Rosefinch, Siskin, Mealy Redpoll, Brambling, Yellow-browed Wabler, Reed Wabler and Tree Pipit at Valyie.  

Foula:  Olive-backed Pipit

Fetlar: Little Bunting

Bressey: White's Thrush reported.

North Mainland: Merlin, Snow Bunting, Blyth's Reed Warbler, and Golden Plover at Ronas.  Hawfinch at Eshaness. Blyth's Reed Warbler and Tree Sparrow at Hillswick.  Bluethroat and a Dotterel still at Stenness.

West Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher at Da Gardins O'Sand and Carrion Crow at Walls.

Central Mainland: Barred Warbler at Scatsta.  Garden Warbler and Barred Warbler at Sullom plantation. Olive-backed Pipit at Voxter.  Siberian Stonechat and Black Redstart still at Lunna Kirk. Magpie, Barred Warbler and 3 Crossbill at Lerwick.  Eastern Subalpine Warbler and  Northern Tree Creeper at West Quarff.  2 Brambling, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Water Rail at Vidlin.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret still at Sumburgh Farm along with 2 Long-tailed Ducks. 150+ Barnacle Geese at Dunrossness.   Marsh Warbler at Quendale.  Jack Snipe, Merlin and Whimbrel at Geosetter.  Pallid HarrierRed-breasted Flycatcher,  3 Swallow and a Rustic Bunting at Hoswick.

Cetacean:  10-12 Risso's and Harbour Porpoise and a Minke Whale reported off South Mainland.  25-30 Dolphins reported off Haroldswick, Unst.

Insects:  3 dark swords and an Angle Sword at Burravoe, Yell reported overnight.

 
3rd October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: 2 Blackcap, Rosefinch and 9 Twite at Shore station.  Hen Harrier at Northdale.

Foula:  Lapland Bunting  

Fetlar: Hawfinch, American Golden Plover still with Golden Plover flock.  Little Bunting and Jack Snipe reported.

Whalsay: Richard's Pipit reported.

Noss:  Pectoral Sandpiper.

North Mainland: Snowy Owl at Mid Field along with a Snow Bunting and 5 Golden Plover, Ronas.  40-50 Snow Bunting at Eshaness. Great Snipe at North Roe.  Blyth's Reed Warbler at Housetter.

West Mainland: Magpie at Melby.

Central Mainland: Barred Warbler at Scatsta.  Red-breasted Flycatcher at Sullom plantation.  Olive-backed Pipit, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Blackcap at Voxter.  River Warbler at Brae.  Siberian Stonechat and Black Redstart, along with Shetland's 4th Veery still at Lunna Kirk. Magpie, Merlin, 4 x Common Crossbill at Lerwick.  Eastern Subalpine Wabler at West Quarff.  Barred Wabler, 3 lesser White Throat at East Quarff.  Eastern Stonechat at Hamnavoe.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret still at Sumburgh Farm. 11 x Barnacle Geese and a Short-toed Lark at Scatness. Bluethroat Throat, 30 x Twite and a Dotterel with Flock of Golden Plover at Stenness. 2 x Curlew Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit at Pool of Virkie. 123 Barnacle Geese at Spiggie. Pallid Harrier, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Wabler and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Hoswick.  Hawfinch at Sandwick. Marsh Wabler at Quendale.  Jack Snipe at Boddam.  Sand Martin at Mail. Redstart, Sparrow hawk, 3 x Goldcrest and a Robin at Geosetter.  Rosefinch, Peregrine and Rustic Bunting at Bigton.

Insects:  A Deaths Head Hawkmoth was reported overnight.

 
2nd October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and 2 Dublin at Buness.  Richard Pipit at Haroldswick. 2 Yellow-browed Wabler and Jack Snipe at Baltasound.  Willow Wabler, Blackcap and 2 x Whooper Swan at Westing.  Barred Wabler at Kirkaton.  Collard Dove, Blackcap, Willow Wabler at Halligarth.  

Fetlar: Hawfinch, American Golden Plover with Golden Plover flock reported.

Yell: Jack Snipe and 2 x Knot at Loch Papil.

North Mainland: Snowy Owl at Mid Field, Ronas.  30 Snow Bunting, Hawfinch, Barred Wabler and Pomarine Skua at Eshaness. Yellow-browed Warbler at Hillswick.

West Mainland: Goosander at West Burrafirth.  Yellow-browed Wabler, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Siskin and Common Crossbill at Tresta.

Central Mainland: River Warbler at Brae.  Siberian Stone Chat, Jack Snipe and Black Redstart, along with Shetland's 4th Veery still at Lunna Kirk. 37 x Snipe Pullers Loch and 3 x Purple Sandpiper, Sea Rd, Lerwick.  Bluethroat  and Yellow wagtail near West Hall, 2 x Rosefinch, Moorhen and Yellow-browed Warbler at Sound. Little Bunting, Grey Wagtail and 2 Brambling at Lerwick.  Ruff and Lapwing at Tingwall.   House Martin, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Red-throated Diver at Lower Voe. Red-throated Diver at Scalloway.  Barred Wabler at Gulberwick.  

South Mainland: 2 Common Crossbill and Cattle Egret at Sumburgh. 2 Pintail Ducks and a Short-toed Lark at Scatness. 3 Snow Bunting, Yellow-browed Wabler, Common White Throat and 5 Linnets at Grutness. Dotterel with Flock of Golden Plover at Stenness. Curlew Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit at Pool of Virkie. Scaup, Slav Grebe, 135 Barnacle Geese and 19 Pink-footed Geese at Spiggie. Great Spotted Woodpecker and Whinchat at Boddam. Peregrine at Dalsetter. 3 Bar-tailed Godwits at Virkie. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Swinister. Eastern Subalpine Warbler at Wester Quarff.  Marsh Wabler at Quendale. Pallid Harrier, Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Redwing at Sandwick. Grey Plover recorded overnight at Toab. 40 Barnacle Geese at Leebitten.

 

 
1st October 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Curlew Sandpiper at Baltasound. Barred Warbler, Redstart and Little Bunting at Norwick. Brambling and 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Setter Hill Estate. Long-eared Owl at Clingera. Sparrowhawk at the Shorestation. Yellow-browed Warbler at Burrafirth. Barred Warbler and Little Bunting at Uyeasound. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Valyie.

Fetlar: Little Bunting at Feal Plantation.

Out Skerries: Rosefinch, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Whinchat, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redstart and Brambling.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover still at Skaw.

Bressay: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Snow Bunting, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Robin.

Foula:  Olive-backed Pipit.

North Mainland: Dotterel and Pectoral Sandpiper at Stenness. Hawfinch at Eshaness. Yellow-browed Warbler at Hillswick.

West Mainland: Siskin, Tree Pipit and Reed Bunting at Cuslwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Walls.

Central Mainland: River Warbler at BraeShetland's 4th Veery still at Lunna Kirk. Citrine Wagtail, at Seafield, Bluethroat near West Hall, Rosefinch, Garden Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler at Sound. Sparrowhawk and 2 Brambling at Vidlin. Great Spotted Woodpecker and Turtle Dove at Voe. 

South Mainland: Cattle Egret at Sumburgh. Short-toed Lark at Scatness. 12 Snow Bunting and Greenish Warbler at Grutness. 2 Scaup at Spiggie. Great Spotted Woodpecker and Whinchat at Boddam. Peregrine at Dalsetter. 3 Bar-tailed Godwits at Virkie. Whinchat and Marsh Warbler at Quendale. Tree Sparrow at Hillwell. Red-breasted Flycatcher, Rosefinch, Spotted Flycatcher and Barred Warbler at Hoswick. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Swinister. Eastern Subalpine Warbler at Wester Quarff. Rustic Bunting at Cunningsburgh. Pallid Harrier at Maywick.

 
29th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Haroldswick. Long-eared Owl and Yellow-browed Warbler at Clingera. Little Bunting and 25 Snow Bunting at Norwick. Whinchat and Northwestern Redpoll at Burrafirth. Hen Harrier at Northdale. Crossbill and 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Setter Hill Estate. 

Fetlar: Tennessee Warbler at Feal Plantation. Also Hawfinch, Yellow-browed Warbler, 50 Snow Bunting and Spotted Flycatcher. Red-backed Shrike Tresta. American Golden Plover at Aith.

Out Skerries: Corncrake, Wryneck, Rosefinch and 2 Little Bunting.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover still at Skaw.

Bressay: 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Snow Bunting, Redwing, 2 Fieldfare.

North Mainland: Kestrel at Hillswick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ollaberry. Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Hawfinch, Siskin and Yellow-browed Warbler at Eshaness.

West Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat at Walls. 6 Siskin Bixter. Yellow-browed Warbler at Burrafirth. 

Central Mainland: Shetland's 4th Veery was found at Lunna Kirk. Citrine Wagtail, at Seafield, Bluethroat near West Hall, Rosefinch and Yellow-browed Warbler at Sound. 2 Brambling, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Sparrowhawk at Vidlin. Barred Warbler, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Lunning. 4 Snow Bunting, Black Redstart and Yellow-browed Warbler at Lunna. Little Bunting at Clickimin, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Cattle Egret at Sumburgh. Dunnock at Wester Quarff. Redstart and Common Scoter at Quendale. Yellow-browed Warbler at Virkie. 6 Pintail and 254 Wigeon at Spiggie. Short-eared Owl and Spotted Flycatcher at Burraland, Sandwick. Spotted Flycatcher and Pied Flycatcher Swinister Burn, Barred Warbler and 3 Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick.

Cetacean Sightings:

27's Orca pod travelled South down the East coast of Yell and then from Mossbank to Lunning.

 
30th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Haroldswick. Little Egret at Snarravoe. 3 Little Bunting at Norwick. 2 Rosefinch, Reed Warbler at Valyie. Little Bunting at Uyeasound. Reed Warbler at Lund. Yellow-browed Warblers at Clingera and Halligarth. Hen Harrier at Loch of Cliff.

Yell: Redstart, Dunnock, Lesser Whitethroat and White Wagtail at Mid Yell.

Fetlar: Hawfinch near Feal Plantation. Yellow-browed Warbler at Houbie. 50 Snow Bunting at Velzie.

Out Skerries: Little Bunting, 3 Redstarts and Yellow-browed Warbler.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover still at Skaw.

North Mainland: Dotterel at Eshaness.

West Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at West Burrafirth. 

Central Mainland: Shetland's 4th Veery still at Lunna Kirk. Citrine Wagtail, at Seafield, Bluethroat near West Hall, Rosefinch, Garden Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler at Sound. Little Bunting, Magpie, Yellow Wagtail and Yellow-browed Warbler at Clickimin, Lerwick. Slavonian Grebe and 2 Sparrowhawk at Sandgarth. Pied Flycatcher at Swining. Rosefinch, 2 Grey Wagtail, Pied Flycatcher, Short-eared Owl, North Road, Lerwick. Yellow-browed Warbler, Grey Wagtail and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Voe. Great Spotted Woodpecker and 6 Siskin at Brae. Hawfinch at Hamnavoe. Yellow-browed Warbler at Lunna. Red-breasted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord. 

South Mainland: Cattle Egret at Sumburgh. Red-breasted Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher and Pied Flycatcher Swinister Burn, Red-breasted Flycatcher and Barred Warbler and 3 Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick. Short-toed Lark and Curlew Sandpiper at Scatness. 12 Snow Bunting and Greenish Warbler at Grutness. Pallid Harrier at Channerwick. Rosefinch at Toab. 2 Paled-bellied Brent Geese at Hestingott. Short-eared Owl Virkie. Spotted Flycatcher Ireland. 

Cetacean Sightings:

27's Orca pod travelled South from Ocraquoy, through Mousa Sound and round Sumburgh Head.

Insect Sightings:

Death's head Hawkmoth at Lerwick.

 
28th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, 3 Redstart and 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Haroldswick. Little Egret at Snarravoe. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ordall. Water Rail and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Westing. Crossbill at Setter Hiller Estate. Yellow-browed Warbler at Halligarth. Barred Warbler at Baltasound. Tree Pipit and Barred Warbler at Norwick. Little Bunting and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Uyeasound. Barred Warbler at Clivocast. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Skaw.

Yell: Arctic Warbler at Arisdale Burn.

Fetlar: Barred Warbler and Hawfinch at Houbie. Yellow-browed Warbler at Feal Plantation. Red-backed Shrike and Barred Warbler at Tresta.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover still at Skaw with Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler. 

Bressay: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Songthrush, Dunnock and Robin.

Noss: Little Bunting, Kestrel, Redstart, Whinchat, 4 Robin, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Garden Warbler, 9 Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, Yellow-browed Warbler, and 2 Chaffinch.

Foula: Olive-backed Pipit

North Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler, Great-spotted Woodpecker and Tree Sparrow at Hillswick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Brae.

West Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Skeld. Goldeneye, Stonechat, Yellow-browed Warbler at Walls. 2 Crossbill, 2 Bramblings, 7 Common Redpoll and 2 Siskin at Aith. Magpie still at Melby. Little Bunting and 2 Whinchat at Dale of Walls.

Central Mainland: Citrine Wagtail, at Seafield, Bluethroat near West Hall, Rosefinch and Yellow-browed Warbler at Sound. Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Brambling at Vidlin. Sparrowhawk, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff at Tingwall. Blackcap, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin, Lesser Redpoll at Sandgarth. Barred Warbler, Grey Wagtail, Great Spotted Woodpecker at Voe. Cuckoo, Little Bunting, Barred Warbler, Wryneck and Grey Wagtail at Clickimin, Magpie at King Harold Street, Lerwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler and Reed Bunting at Lunna.

South Mainland: Pallid Harrier at Quendale and Spiggie. Cattle Egret at Sumburgh. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Noness, Curlew Sandpiper at The Wart, Sandwick. Rustic Bunting, Yellow-browed Warbler and Dunnock at Wester Quarff. Great Spotted Woodpecker at West Voe. Yellow-browed Warbler, Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher at Swinister Burn. Yellow-browed Warbler at Sumburgh. 20 Snow Buntings at Grutness. Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter. 2 Grey Plover and 3 Ruff at Virkie. Firecrest at Exnaboe. Rosefinch at Toab. Mediterranean Gull at Spiggie. Spotted Crake at Quendale. 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose and Blyth's Reed Warbler at Hestingott. Little Bunting at Sumburgh Head.

Cetacean Sightings:

2 Risso's Dolphins from the Whalsay Ferry. 2 Orca seen North of Noss.

 
27th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Little Bunting and Yellow Wagtail at Haroldswick. Blyth's Reed Warbler and Garden Warbler at Halligarth. Barred Warbler and Tree Pipit at Leawart. Reed Warbler at Lund. Little Bunting at Skaw. Long-tailed Duck on Easter Loch. Barred Warbler and Whinchat at Baltasound. Dunnock at Easting. Little Egret at Snarravoe. Barred Warbler at Baliasta. Pied Flycatcher at Norwick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Cameron Cottage.

Yell: Arctic Warbler at Arisdale Burn. Lesser Whitethroat and Bar-tailed Godwit at Gutcher.

North Mainland: 10 Snow Bunting at Eshaness. 

West MainlandHoney Buzzard at Walls. Lesser Whitethroat and Grey Wagtail at West Burrafirth.

Central Mainland: 5 Knot on Sound Beach. Yellow-browed Warbler and Mealy Redpoll at Burn of Sound. Grey Plover at Gilbertson Park, Lerwick. Wood Warbler at Asta. White-tailed Eagle, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Garden Warbler at Sandgarth. Yellow-browed Warbler at Sullom Plantation. Sparrowhawk at Scatsta.

South Mainland: Barnacle Geese at many sites in the south. Yellow-browed Warbler and Red-breasted Flycatcher at Geosetter. Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Whinchat and Pied Flycatcher at Boddam. Whinchat, Yellow-browed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Grey Wagtail at Swinister Burn. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Sandwick. Spotted Flycatcher and Fieldfare at Gulberwick. Brambling, Kestrel and Pied Flycatcher at Sumburgh. Cattle Egret, 10 Ruff and Red-backed Shrike at Spiggie. Redstart at Cunningsburgh. 15 Snow Buntings at Grutness. Yellow-browed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Blackcap at Wester Quarff. Turtle Dove at Exnaboe. Pallid Harrier around the south between Dunrossness and Quendale again. Rustic Bunting at Wester Quarff. Wryneck at Ringasta. Little Egret at Sumburgh Farm. 

 
26th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: 2 Rosefinch, Little Bunting, Barred Warbler, Whinchat, 2 Pied Flycatcher and Red-breasted Flycatcher at Norwick. Eastern Yellow Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail at Haroldswick. Bluethroat at Baliasta. Lesser Whitethroat at Skaw.

Yell: Arctic Warbler at Arisdale Burn.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover still at Skaw.

North Mainland: American Golden Plover and Grey Plover at Eshaness also 2 Snow Bunting.

West Mainland: Sparrowhawk, 2 Redstart and Goldcrest at West Burrafirth.

Central Mainland: Citrine Wagtail, at Seafield, Bluethroat near West Hall, Barred Warbler and Magpie at Clickimin, Lerwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. 

South Mainland: Blackburnian Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter. at Pallid Harrier at Quendale and Spiggie. Red-backed Shrike also at Spiggie still. Blackcap, Yellow-browed Warbler and Long-tailed Duck at Grutness. Little Stint at Scatness. 24 Barnacle Geese at Noss Farm. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Sandwick.

 
25th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: 2 Rosefinch, Little Bunting, Barred Warbler and Red-breasted Flycatcher at Norwick. Sand Martin, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whinchat at Skaw. 2 Ruff at Uyeasound. Little Egret still at Loch of Snarravoe. Storm Petrel at Easter Loch. Redwing at Ramnageo.

Yell: Arctic Warbler at Arisdale Burn.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover still at Skaw.

Bressay: Lesser Whitethroat at Voehead, 2 Snow Bunting at the Noss car park.

North Mainland: Grey Plover at Eshaness, Kestrel at North Collafirth. Pochard at Loch of Housetter.

West Mainland: Possible Eastern Towhee at Melby. Glaucous Gull, 3 Goldcrest and 2 Carrion Crows at Skeld. Peregrine at Sandness.

Central Mainland: Red-backed Shrike and Sparrowhawk at Swining. Citrine Wagtail, at Seafield, Bluethroat near West Hall, Barred Warbler and Magpie at Clickimin, Lerwick. 15 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Rosefinch at Loch of Sound. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Loch of Voe. 2 Ruff at Laxo. 

South Mainland: . Pallid Harrier at Quendale. Red-backed Shrike, 8 Ruff, 2 Redwing, Kestrel at Spiggie. 16 Ruff at the Wart, Sandwick. 2 Ruff, Little Stint and a Snow Bunting at Scatness. Common Scoter at Levenwick. Snow Bunting at Bakkasetter. 7 Ruff, 21 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Barnacle Goose at Fleck.

 
24th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: 22 Snow Bunting & 2 Swallow at Burrafirth Burn. Little Bunting at Kirkton and Little Bunting at Norwick. Merlin & Stonechat at Skaw. Red-breasted Flycatcher, Common Rosefinch & Tree Pipit at Valyie. Common Crossbill at Clingera. Barred Warbler & Icterine Warbler at Leawart. 7 Whooper Swan, 6 Tufted Duck, 6 Wigeon, Long-tailed Duck & Common Guillemot on Easter Loch.  Little Egret still at Loch of Snarravoe.

Yell: Arctic Warbler at Arisdale Burn.

Whalsay: Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Common Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher & Song Thrush at Skaw plantation.

Out Skerries: Blyth's Reed Warbler, 3 Hawfinch, Barred Warbler, Common Redstart, Chaffinch, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler, Swallow, Song Thrush, Robin & Whinchat on island & Sooty Shearwater offshore.

Bressay: Blyth's Reed Warbler at Gorie. Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Fieldfare & 9 Barnacle Goose on island.

North Mainland: Wood Warbler at Hamnavoe & 12 Snow Bunting at Eshaness Lighthouse. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Sandgarth, Dale. 

West Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Dale of Walls. Garden Warbler at Vementry. 15 Goosander at Bridge of Walls. Magpie at Sandness and Great Northern Diver at Melby.

Central Mainland: Red-backed Shrike at Swining. 9 Red Grouse at start of track to the Hams, Muckle Roe. Wood Warbler at Asta. Citrine Wagtail, at Seafield,  Bluethroat near West Hall & Barred Warbler at Clickimin, Lerwick.

South Mainland: . Pallid Harrier over and Red-breasted Flycatcher & Fieldfare at Sandwick. 44 Knot & Ruff at Noness.  Red-backed Shrike still at Spiggie Hotel. Pectoral Sandpiper & Yellow-browed Warbler at Noss Farm, Spiggie. & 12 Knot at Noss. Marsh Warbler at Quendale burn and 3 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, Dunnock  & Bluethroat at quarry. Common Rosefinch briefly at Toab.

 

Cetacean Sightings:

2 Minke off St Ninian's Isle.

 
23rd September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Little Bunting at Burrafirth shore station. Hawfinch, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Common Rosefinch, 2 Whinchat, Tree Pipit, & Brambling at Valyie. Little Bunting, Blackcap & 3 Knot at Norwick. Arctic Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler,  Wood Warbler & Barred Warbler at Halligarth. Little Egret still at Loch of Snarravoe.

Yell: Spotted Redshank, 2 Wood Warbler & 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Gutcher.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover still at Skaw.

Foula: Buff-breasted Sandpiper & 2 Little Bunting.

North Mainland:  Great Spotted Woodpecker at Sandgarth & Kestrel over.

Central Mainland: Common Redstart & Sparrowhawk at Mulla, Voe. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Houll Road, Scalloway. Hen Harrier at Catfirth. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Wester Quarff. In Lerwick - Great Spotted Woodpecker at Nederdale, .Citrine Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Yellow-browed Warbler, Bluethroat & Barred Warbler in Seafield Park area, Common Rosefinch & Magpie at Hayfield House, Blyth's Reed Warbler at Gremista & Little Grebe at Lerwick Marina.

South Mainland: Bluethroat at Fladdabister.160 Golden Plover, Ruff & 4 Knot at the Wart & Pink-footed Goose & 3 Gadwall at the Broch of Burland, Sandwick.. Whinchat, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler & Lesser Whitethroat at Swinister Burn and Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and White-tailed Eagle over. Pallid Harrier over Spiggie/ Hillwell. Pectoral Sandpiper, Yellow-Browed Warbler & 3 Knot  at Noss Farm, Spiggie. Red-backed Shrike still at Spiggie Hotel & Kestrel over. Blyth's Reed Warbler at Hestingott. Red-breasted Flycatcher & Lesser Whitethroat on St Ninian's Isle. Rosefinch & Mealy Redpoll at Grutness. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Dalsetter & at Boddam. Kestrel & 5 Swallow at Sumburgh Head.

Cetacean Sightings:

Minke off Sumburgh Head and Noness. Risso's Dolphin off Sumburgh Head & pod of approx 12 White-beaked Dolphin off Mousa. 2 Harbour Porpoise off Scarvister.

Insect Sightings: 

Sword-grass, 5 Dark Swordgrass & 11 Angleshades on sugar at Bakkasetter.

 
22nd September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst:   2 Little Bunting, Willow Warbler & Swallow along burn and Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Whinchat, Common Whitethroat & 2 Blackcap at Shore Station, Burrafirth. 3 Redpoll & Blackcap at Northdale. Collared Dove, 5 Blackcap, 2 Common Rosefinch, Hawfinch, Yellow-browed Warbler & Red-breasted Flycatcher at Valyie. Arctic Warbler & Pied Flycatcher at Halligarth. Redstart & Whinchat at Uyeasound.

Yell: Arctic Warbler & Little Bunting at West Sandwick. Wood Warbler at Gutcher. Garden Warbler & Willow Warbler at Burravoe. Sparrowhawk, Redstart, Blackcap & 2 Goldcrest at Arisdale. 3 Bar-tailed Godwit & 5 Sanderling at Galtigarth.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover & Yellow-browed Warbler at Skaw.

Out Skerries: Hawfinch, Little Bunting & Yellow-browed Warbler.

Foula: Buff-breasted Sandpiper & Bluethroat along Hametoun Burn. Fieldfare on island.

Bressay: Blackcap at Voehead.

North Mainland: Common Crossbill, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Sparrowhawk & Swallow at Gluss. Great Spotted Woodpecker & Chiffchaff at Sandgarth. Blyth's Reed Warbler at Oxensetter, North Roe. 

West Mainland:  Goosander at Weisdale Voe & Merlin at West Burrafirth..

Central Mainland:  Tree Pipit, Common Redstart, Goldcrest, Willow Warbler & Peregrine at Lunna. Common Redstart at Mulla & Pied Flycatcher at Voe. Pallid Harrier at Tingwall. Citrine Wagtail & Yellow Wagtail in Seafield area & Yellow-browed Warbler at Law Lane, Lerwick. 2 Blackcap, Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, 3 Willow Warbler & Tree Pipit at Strand Plantation.

South Mainland: Blyth's Reed Warbler, Little Bunting, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler & Lesser Whitethroat at Swnister Burn. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Robin & Goldcrest at Geosetter. Pectoral Sandpiper at Noss Farm, Spiggie. 14 Ruff and Gadwall at Spiggie hide. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Crofthouse Museum. Wryneck, Redstart, Whinchat, Merlin & 20 Swallow at Quendale. 2 Little Stint, 2 Merlin & 5 Barnacle Goose at Scatness. 25 Barnacle Goose over Virkie and 24 at Sumburgh Head.

Cetacean Sightings:

5 White-beaked Dolphin off Dalsetter.

Insect Sightings: 

Pearly Underwing at Scatness.

 
21st September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst:  Little Bunting, Sparrowhawk & Merlin at Skaw. 2 Little Bunting, Garden Warbler & Whinchat at Burrafirth. Sparrowhawk, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat & Snow Bunting at Northdale. Robin & Collared Dove at Valyie and Redstart at Norwick Beach. Arctic Warbler & Swallow at Halligarth. Barred Warbler, Merlin & Blackcap at Baltasound + 2 Little Stint and 5 Knot. Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler & Blackcap at Hillsgarth. Grey Plover at Smaa Waters. Garden Warbler & Pied Flycatcher at Westing. Common Rosefinch at Uyeasound.

Yell: Arctic Warbler at West Sandwick.

Out Skerries: Hawfinch, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Whinchat, 3 Little Bunting, 4 Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher & 23 Snow Bunting.

Fetlar: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch & Grasshopper Warbler on island.

Foula: Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper (at Ristie Pools) & Little Bunting.

North Mainland: Common Crossbill at Gluss. Barred Warbler & Kestrel at Hillswick.

West Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Walls & Whinchat at Dale of Walls. 10 Goosander at Bridge of Walls. Jack Snipe at Melby.

Central Mainland:  Pallid Harrier at Tingwall. Honey Buzzard over Scalloway. Whinchat at Nordavatn, Goldcrest, Willow Warbler & Lesser Whitethroat at Netherdale & Citrine Wagtail at Seafield Park, Lerwick. 

South Mainland:  Red-backed Shrike & Citrine Wagtail at Spiggie Hotel. Little Bunting at Toab. Wryneck at Quendale. Redwing over Swinister & 5 Knot at Sannick, Sandwick. Little Stint & Curlew Sandpiper at Scatness. 2 Long-tailed Duck at Grutness. Whinchat & 2 Goldcrest at Sumburgh Quarry.

Insect Sightings: 

2 Dark Swordgrass to sugar in Sandwick.

 
20th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst:  Blyth's Reed Warbler still at Northdale.Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Whinchat, & 2 Robin at Burrafirth Shorestation. Little Bunting still along Burrafirth Burn. Sedge Warbler at Holsen's Road & Siskin at Skaw. 

Foula: Buff-breasted Sandpiper still at South Ness.  Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler 2 Barred Warbler at Ham.

Bressay: Blackcap, Goldcrest & Garden Warbler at Voehead.

Central Mainland:   Magpie at playpark, King Harald Street. Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler & Pied Flycatcher near Lerwick power station. Yellow-browed Warbler & Great Spotted Woodpecker in Helendale area. Kestrel, Sparrowhawk & Merlin over North Staneyhill. Pied Flycatcher, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch & Swallow at Gulberwick.

South Mainland:  Little Bunting & Grey Wagtail  at Toab. Red-backed Shrike near Spiggie Hotel and 2 Yellow-browed Warbler & Chiffchaff at Southerhouse. Slavonian Grebe at N end of Loch of Spiggie. Marsh Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Robin & Goldcrest at Quendale. 6 Purple Sandpiper on Grutness Beach & Little Stint at the Pool of Virkie.

 
19th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst:  Common Rosefinch, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Barred Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Whinchat, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat & Yellow-browed Warbler at Burrafirth Shorestation. Wryneck, 2 Barred Warbler, Wood Warbler, Little Bunting, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap & Willow Warbler along Burrafirth Burn. Peregrine, Wood Warbler & Willow Warbler at Skaw. Kestrel at Loch of Cliff. Blyth's Reed Warbler & Robin at Northdale. Colllared Dove at Quoys. Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler, Redstart, Tree Pipit, Merlin, Pied Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler & Arctic Warbler at Halligarth. Robin, Whinchat, Bluethroat, 2 Willow Warbler & Sparrowhawk at Holsen's Road. Redstart, Barred Warbler & Sand Martin at Baltasound. Barred Warbler, Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcap & Hawfinch at Leawart. 2 Common Rosefinch, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler, Sparrowhawk, Collared Dove & Moorhen at Valyie. Common Rosefinch at Kirkaton. Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap, Garden Warbler & Willow Warbler at Setter's Hill Estate. Little Egret & 6 Tufted Duck at Loch of Snarravoe.

Whalsay: Wryneck, Redstart, 2 Barred Warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Common Rosefinch & American Golden Plover at Skaw. Yellow-browed Warbler at Symbister.

Out Skerries: Bluethroat on 18th.

Foula: Buff-breasted Sandpiper at South Ness & Little Bunting at Hametoun.

Bressay: Whinchat, Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 2 Robin on island. 2 Goldcrest at Voehead and 2 at Bressay Lighthouse. Bar-tailed Godwit on Leira Voe.

Central Mainland:   Magpie at Anderson High School. Garden Warbler & Willow Warbler at North Road, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat & Barred Warbler at Clickimin and a Grey Wagtail at Helendale, Lerwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Mulla, Voe. 14 Collared Doves at Kalliness, Weisdale. cc 60 auks, mainly Razorbills in Scalloway Harbour.

West Mainland: Merlin at West Burrafirth.

South Mainland:  Little Bunting briefly at Swinister Burn and Lesser Whitethroat, Yellow-browed Warbler & Swallow at Sandwick. Barred Warbler, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler at Noness. Bluethroat,

Red-throated Pipit, Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch and Marsh Warbler at Quendale.

Insect Sightings:

20 Silver Y at Bakkasetter. Also a Brick & 2 Rusty Dot Pearl at sugar there. Brick at Boddam.

 
18th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Fall of migrants, particularly on east side, as winds became south easterly, .

Unst: Red-breasted Flycatcher & Common Crossbill at Valyie. Yellow-browed Warbler & 3 Goldcrest at Burrafirth. Wood Warbler & Willow Warbler at Halligarth. Blyth's Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, Redstart & 10 Redpolls at Northdale. Willow Warbler & Common Crossbill over Setter's Hill Estate. Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler,  Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff & Garden Warbler at Uyeasound. Slavonian Grebe in Uyeasound Bay & 6 Curlew Sandpiper over.

Yell: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Barred Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Wood Warbler & Willow Warbler at Gutcher.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover, Little Bunting, Common Rosefinch, Redstart, Garden Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, Barred Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Song Thrush, Dunnock & Great Spotted Woodpecker at Skaw.

Out Skerries: Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Redstart, 3 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest & Great Spotted Woodpecker. 

Noss: Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Barred Warbler, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Flycatcher, 6 Redstart, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Chaffinch, 10 Blackcap, 9 Goldcrest, 6 Garden Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 23 Robin, 4 Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Ruff & 6 Grey Heron on the island.

North Mainland: Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Eshaness Lighthouse & Great Spotted Woodpecker at Stenness.

Central Mainland:   Magpie at Anderson High School/ Helendale, Yellow-browed Warbler & Lesser Whitethroat at the Burn of Sound, Lerwick.  Lesser Whitethroat at Wester Quarff.

South Mainland:  Yellow-browed Warbler at Sandwick. Wood Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Crossbill at Levenwick. Red-flanked Bluetail, 2 Garden Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Blackcap & Pied Flycatcher at Sandlodge. 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Goldcrest & Robin at Noness. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Sumburgh Quarry. Common Crossbill at Sumburgh Head & 3 Sooty Shearwater passing offshore. .Common Rosefinch, 3 Blackcap & Redstart at Sumburgh Hotel. Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler & 2 Goldcrest at Dalsetter. Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch & Yellow Wagtail at Quendale. Osprey over travelling south.

Cetacean Sightings: 

Pod of Risso's Dolphin off Skaw, Whalsay.

 
17th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Little Egret still at Snarravoe.  Merlin at Skaw.  Whinchat at Holsen Lane.  Common Crossbill at Saxa Vord.  4 Barred Warbler, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler and a Hawfinch at Norwick.  Yellow-browed Warbler and a Garden Warbler at Burrafirth.  2 Blackcap, Garden Warbler and 2 Redpoll at Northdale Pines.  2 Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred warbler, Willow Warbler and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Valyie.  Hawfinch at Leeward.  2 Kestrel at Noosthamar.  2 Red-throated Diver at Hamness.  Slavonian Grebe and 4 Tufted Duck at Uyeasound.

Foula:  Buff-breasted Sandpiper still there today.

Whalsay:  Blackcap and American Golden Plover still at Skaw.

Central Mainland:   Great Spotted Woodpecker and Robin at Sandgarth.  Hen Harrier at Stromfirth. 

South Mainland:  Blyth's Reed Warbler at Bakkasetter.

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:

Reports of Minke and White-beaked Dolphin continue today in Mousa Sound.  

Insect Sightings:

Setaceous Hebrew Character, Small Wainscot, Yellow Underwing and first Autumn Brindled Ochre reported overnight.

 
16th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Yellow-browed Warbler at Skaw.  2 Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, 150 Golden Plover, 2 Ruff, Barred Warbler and Chiffchaff at Baltasound.  Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Rosefinch, Blackcap, Willow Warbler at Valyie. Slavonian Grebe, Knot, Pied Flycatcher and 2 Swallow at Uyeasound.  2 Pied Wagtail, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, and Song Thrush at Halligarth.  Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over Hillsgarth.  Yellow-browed Wabler, 4+Rosefinch, Hawfinch, and Common Crossbill at Norwick.  Red-backed Shrike at Muness.  Yellow-browed Warbler, Garden Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at Burrafirth.

Foula:  Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Yellow-browed Warbler.

Whalsay:  American Golden Plover.

Central Mainland:  Magpie  still in Lerwick.  Yellow-browed Warbler and Rosefinch at Burn of Sound.  30 Wood Pigeon, 3 Jackdaw, 5 Robin, 11 Goldcrest, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff at Kergord.

West Mainland: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Dale of Walls. 

South Mainland:  Barred Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Kestrel at Grutness.  Whinchat, Lesser Whitethroat and Little Stint at Boddam.  Yellow-browed Wabler at Swinister.  Swift and Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale.  Lesser Whitethroat at Noness.  12 Swallow at Sandwick and 15+ Swallow at Hoswick

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:

Lots more sightings throughout today of Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise, Risso's Dolphin, White-beaked Dolphin and a Basking Shark in Mousa Sound and off Sumburgh Head.  The day ended with a sighting of a pod of Orca moving North from Haroldswick to Holm Skaw off Unst.  

 
15th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Barred Warbler Northdale pines.  Pink-footed Geese, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 3-5 Rosefinch at Norwick.  Rosefinch, Blackcap and Hawfinch at Leawart.   40 Snipe and 20 Great Skua at The Noup, Saxa Vord.

Garden Warbler and Wood Warbler at Valyie. Slavonian Grebe at Uyeasound.

Bressay:  Willow Warbler.

Out Skerries:  Little Bunting in iris beds.

Whalsay:  8 Ruff, 2 Knot and a Barred Warbler at Skaw Plantation.  Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Chaffinch at Vatshoull.  Rosefinch at Marrister.

Central Mainland: Bittern sighted over Sellaness. Magpie still in Lerwick.  Redpoll, Wryneck, Yellow-browed Warbler and Rosefinch at Burn of Sound.  Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Greenland Northern Wheatear and 2 Willow Warbler at Njuggles Water Plantation.  2 Goldcrest at Weisdale.  2 Goosander at Scalloway and a Scaup at Loch of Tingwall.

South Mainland:  11 Common Tern, 7 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 5 Swallow, 22 Pink-footed Geese and a Black-throated Diver at Quendale Bay.  Barred Warbler, Common Redstart, Lesser White-throat and 2 Common Tern at Grutness. Curlew Sandpiper, 120+ Knot and 5 Bar-tailed Godwit on Virkie.  Little Stint and Wood Warbler at Boddam.  Moorhen and 6 Pink-footed Geese at Loch of Gards.  4 Moorhen and 3 Ruff at Loch of Hillwell.  Ruff at Sumburgh Farm.

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:

Lots more sightings today of Minke Whales in Mousa Sound, Dalsetter, Mail and North of Noss.  15+ Porpiose also reported.

 
14th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: 2 Rosefinch, Little Bunting, Barred Warbler, Whinchat, 2 Pied Flycatcher and Red-breasted Flycatcher at Norwick. Eastern Yellow Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail at Haroldswick. Bluethroat at Baliasta. Lesser Whitethroat at Skaw.

Yell: Arctic Warbler at Arisdale Burn.

Whalsay: American Golden Plover still at Skaw.

North Mainland: American Golden Plover and Grey Plover at Eshaness also 2 Snow Bunting.

West Mainland: Sparrowhawk, 2 Redstart and Goldcrest at West Burrafirth.

Central Mainland: Citrine Wagtail, at Seafield, Bluethroat near West Hall, Barred Warbler and Magpie at Clickimin, Lerwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. 

South Mainland: Blackburnian Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter. at Pallid Harrier at Quendale and Spiggie. Red-backed Shrike also at Spiggie still. Blackcap, Yellow-browed Warbler and Long-tailed Duck at Grutness. Little Stint at Scatness. 24 Barnacle Geese at Noss Farm. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Sandwick.

 
13th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: 51 Sooty Shearwaters passing East Hill.  Crossbill, Lesser Whitethroat, Tree Pipit and Barred Warbler reported at Norwick.  Lesser Whitethroat and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Haroldswick.  2 Great Northern Diver in Muness Bay.  45 Sooty Shearwater seen off Ham Ness.  Merlin and 5 Knot at Baltasound.  Tufted Duck at Easter Loch.  Lesser Whitethroat at Valyie.  Up to 90 Greylag Geese at the Houb, Baltasound.

Central Mainland:  Magpie and 2 Crossbill at Lerwick.  Willow Warbler at West Burrafirth.

South Mainland:  53 Knot and 1 Ruff at Virkie.  2 Great Northern Diver at Quendale, 10 Grey Heron at Ness.  100 Meadow Pipit, 20 Skylark 70+ Curlew at Noness, Sandwick.

 

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:

Another good day of sightings, with reports of Minke, Risso's Dolphin and Porpoise seen from Unst to Mousa throughout the day.

Insect Sightings:

A poor night for moths with only Frosted Orange, Rosy Rustic and Chevron reported

 
11th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula:  Yellow Warbler still at Ham Yard

Unst: 550 Golden Plover at Muness, Lesser Black-backed Gull at Easter Loch, House Martin at Haroldswick, Little Egret still at Loch of Snarravoe.  Blackcap at North Dale Pines. 6 Knot at Norwick, Lesser Whitethroat and Barred Warbler at Valyie pines.

Central Mainland:   Common Whitethroat at Burra and 4 Crossbill at Voe.  45 Rooks at Stendaal.  

West Mainland:  White-tailed Eagle reported West of West Burrafirth. Robin at Dale of Walls. 130 Golden Plover, 2 Knot and 4 Ruff below Bixter cemetery.

South Mainland:  21 Pink-footed Geese over Sumburgh Head.    

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:, 

Another good day of Minke sightings, with a single Risso's Dolphin and Porpoise galore seen at  Cradle Holm, Noness, Levenwick, Mousa, Sumburgh Head and Yell Sound. 

Insect Sightings:

Pink-Barred Swallow, Sliver Y and Small Wainscot reported

 
12th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula:  Rosefinch and Barred Warbler at Ham Yard

Unst: Lapland Bunting, Swift reported at Skaw along with an estimate of 2500 Knot, Gannets and 1000 Fulmars passing per hour.  A pair of Tufted Duck on Easter Loch, Barred Wabler, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Goldcrest at Norwick. 

South:  Wryneck at Hillwell and Barred Warbler at Burn of Sound.

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:  Lots of Minke sightings off Mousa. 

Insect Sightings:

Frosted Orange and Dark Swordgrass reported overnight.

 
10th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula:  Yellow Warbler still at Ham Yard

Unst: Barred Warbler at Millfield, Norwick.  Little Egret still at Loch of Snarravoe.  Common Whitethroat at Burrafirth. 4 Crossbill flew over Uyeasound.  Wood Warbler, Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff at Halligarth.  

Yell:  3 Ruff at South Ladie, West Sandwick.  

Out Skerries:  Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, Barred Warbler, Merlin, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Swift, Redstart, Common Rosefinch, Common Sandpiper and Swallow.   

Central Mainland:  2 Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff at Veensgarth pumping station.  Great Spotted Woodpecker, Crossbill, 4 Grey Heron and 5 Willow Warbler at Clickimin.  Crossbill over Victoria Pier, Lerwick.  Magpie over Law Lane.  

South Mainland:  Barred Warbler and 8 Redpoll at Ocraquoy.  21 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Gadwall at Spiggie.  Swift, 120 Meadow Pipits, 12 White Wagtails and 10 Swallows heading south over Sumburgh Head.  30 White Wagtail at Grutness.  It appears that local breeding birds are continuing to leave our islands to head south.  

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:, 

Another bumper day of Minke sightings with whales being seen at Dalsetter, Noness, Levenwick, Mousa, Muckle Skerry, Eshaness, Sumburgh Head, Noss and Haroldswick.  10 Risso's and 20 White-beaked dolphin off Haroldswick.  Risso's also seen off Eshaness, Vin Taing at Noness and Mousa.  White-beaked also at Skaw, Whalsay, and off Sumburgh Head.  

Insect Sightings:

Hummingbird Hawkmoth on Foula, and at least 2 Convovulous Hawkmoth at Mulla, Voe.  Mouse Moth at Scatness.  Lobesia littoralis micro moth at Mid Yell.  

 
9th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula:  Yellow Warbler still at Ham Yard.

Unst: Common Sandpiper at Burrafirth.  Willow Warbler at Quoys quarry.  Little Egret still on Loch of Snarravoe with Peregrine and Merlin also there.  

Yell:  White Wagtail at Mid Yell.  

Central Mainland:  Short-eared Owl at Girlsta. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Sound Brae.  

West Mainland:  Magpie remains at Sandness.  Sand Martin at Effirth.  

South Mainland:  Redpoll at Cunningsburgh and St. Ninian's beach.  Merlin and 41 Swallow at Hoswick Burn.  Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ocraquoy.  

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:, 

Multiple sightings of Minke Whales continues with whales seen off Dalsetter, Mousa, Noness, Sandsayre.  Risso's dolphin seen off Mousa, and Dalsetter, 

Insect Sightings:

Further reports of Convolvulus Hawkmoth from Yell and Mulla, Voe.  Frosted Orange moth caught in Fair Isle is only the second record for Shetland.  

 
8th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula:  Yellow Warbler still at Ham Yard

Unst: Peregrine, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Crossbill and Common Rosefinch at Norwick.  Barred Warbler at Northdale.  Lesser Whitethroat and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Valyie.  

Out Skerries:  3 Barred Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Redstart, Whinchat and possibly 2 Common Rosefinch.  

Central Mainland:  Teal/Wigeon hybrid at Loch of Benston, South Nesting.  Garden Warbler and Redpoll at Clickimin.  

South Mainland:  Barred Warbler at Brakefield Road, Sandwick.  Pallid Harrier seen heading south over Sumburgh Head.  Common Rosefinch at Exnaboe and another at Grutness. . Citrine Wagtail and 7 Pink-footed Geese at Bakkasetter.  Green Sandpiper, House Martin and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Culsetter. 

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:, 

Cetacean Sea Watch undertaken today.  Results were incredible - from Mousa Sound:  2 Humpback, 15-20 Minkie Whale, 20 White-beaked and 20 Risso's dolphin and numerous Harbour Porpoise.  6 Risso's dolphin past Sumburgh Head.  Harbour Porpoise multiple sightings from many locations.  

 
7th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula:  Yellow Warbler still at Ham Yard, along with Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Redpoll, and Willow Warbler.  The Yellow Warbler is continuing to attract a small number of intrepid birders who are finding all kinds of ways to get to the island!  

Unst: Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Common Crossbill at Norwick.  Wood Warbler, Blackcap and 2 Willow Warbler at Shore Station.  2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Knot Baltasound.  Common Crossbill, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff at Haroldswick.  

Yell:  Great Spotted Woodpecker at Burravoe.  4 Sanderling and Black-tailed Godwit at Galtigarth, Willow Warbler at Arisdale and Otterswick.  Garden Warbler at Aywick.  

Bressay:  Whitethroat.  

Central Mainland:  3 Crossbill at Longland, Lerwick.  Merlin at Robins Brae.  Wood Warbler, Magpie, Lesser Whitethroat, Crossbill, 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Siskin at Helendale, Lerwick.  

South Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Fladdibister, and another at Swinister, along with 2 Lesser Whitethroat. Crossbill at Hoswick Burn.  2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Hillwell.  Little Bunting at Sumburgh Head, along with a Crossbill.  Report from Good Shepherd with 4 Sooty Shearwater north of Sumburgh.  

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:, 

Pod of 6 Orca (females, youngsters) heading south, seen from boat crossing to Foula this afternoon.  2 dolphin seen breaching off Mossbank.  

 
6th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula:  Yellow Warbler still present at Ham Yard, with Barred Warbler and 3 Common Rosefinch.    

Unst: Lesser Whitethroat at Valyie.  

Yell:  6 Knot, 9 Dunlin and Bar-tailed Godwit at Hamnavoe.  

Noss:  Barred Warbler on Noss.  

Central Mainland:  Barred Warbler at Burn of Sound.  

South Mainland: 2 Sooty Shearwater south past Sumburgh Head.  Harrier sp heading out to sea at Clumlie.  2 Barred Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Willow Warbler at Quendale.  

 
5th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Foula:  Yellow Warbler found at Ham on this island!  Likely to attract birders from Shetland mainland and further afield!  

Unst: Lesser Whitethroat at Maundeville, Uyeasound.  2 Barred Warbler and 6 Crossbill at Norwick.  

Yell:  Merlin at Gutcher.    Redstart and Kestrel at Camb.  2 Lesser Redpoll at Otterswick, and 3 Bar-tailed Godwit at Galtigarth.  Common Crossbill at Cullivoe.  

North Mainland:  Common Crossbill at Gluss.  

Central Mainland:  Wood Warbler, Magpie, Lesser Whitethroat, Crossbill, 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Siskin at Helendale, Lerwick.  

South Mainland: Barred and Wood Warbler, and Sandwich Tern at Quendale.   Over 800 Meadow Pipits flew south over Sumburgh Head this morning.  Arctic Warbler at Exnaboe.  

The Good Shepherd spotted 2 Sooty Shearwater, a Puffin, and a Cormorant on the return trip to Fair Isle.  Another ship recorded Sooty Shearwater 3 miles east of Mousa (6) and 7 miles east of Noss (3).  

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:, 

Minke Whale sightings today include Fetlar (1), Levenwick (5),  Dalsetter (1),  Sumburgh Head (1)

4 Risso's dolphin 8 miles south of Sumburgh, and 6 at Mousa, and Levenwick, and 6 at Skaw, Whalsay.  Possible Humpback south of Mousa.  8 White-beaked dolphin off Sumburgh Head, with another pod seen near to Bressay from sea (The Swan) and land.  

Insects:

Convolvulus Hawkmoth sightings continue with emergence of Shetland bred Red Admiral butterflies, and Silver Y moths also continuing.  

 
4th September 2023

Bird Sightings: 

Unst: Common Rosefinch at Halligarth.  

Yell:  2 Goosander at Gutcher.  

West Mainland:  Great Spotted Woodpecker and Magpie at Sandness.   

South Mainland: Sea-watch off Fora Ness at Spiggie produced singles of Manx and Sooty Shearwater.  Merlin flew north over Hillwell.  Pallid Harrier at Noss, Spiggie.  

Cetacean and Fish Sightings:

6 White-beaked dolphins offshore of Dalsetter, South Mainland.  

Insects:

Convolvulus Hawkmoth visiting flowers at Mulla, Voe.