Sunday 7 February 2016

Early February birding

Very little bird movement after the storm last week when several Little Auks could be seen in sheltered bays in the north.


 Lots of Greylag are currently feeding around Sandwick and are causing problems to farmers.


 Its always good to see a white winged gull, this week i have seen Glaucous Gulls at Spiggie and one at the catch in Lerwick (photo). At first there was only Common, Herring and Black headed with a few Fulmar but this large Glaucous turned up and flew passed twice in 45  mins



 It came to rest on the sea only once. An  American Herring Gull is still on Whalsay with an Iceland gull, while a few other Glaucous gulls can be found on Yell, Unst and Fair Isle.



 Surprisingly only one male Long tailed duck could be seen. These are still around the coast in good numbers, especially in the south mainland



 Around 70 eider, most resting across on Bressay could be seen with the occasional pair flying over to the Lerwick side.

 At least 8 Grey Seal came in close for a look, and of course to be photographed.


A Peregrine flew across the road at Fladdibister landing on a nearby fence post giving good if brief views

Today we managed to get down for a short visit to Ireland near Bigton. First time here and if it wasn't for the weather would have spent more time. The fields around the beach held Curlew (147) Greylag (56) starling (200+) Turnstone (76) while down on the sea Mallard (12) Gt Northern Diver, Long tailed duck (4) Black Guillemot (2) Fulmar(6) Raven (12) and Hoddie (6)

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