Warblers

It was good to see a Garden Warbler out in the open when we discovered one in Sumburgh quarry. Back in Sheffield it would be a question of hearing the warbler not necessarily seeing it.

                                                                                                          Garden Warbler

Here it was about 25 feet away feeding among rocks and deep vegetation but also along the quarry face.

A couple of female and a male Blackcap fed along side of it

Also in the quarry was a Goldcrest, the first seen in a good few months, several Blackbird and a flock of over 30 Twite, as well as the regular Fulmars.

Down at Grutness a Yellow Browed Warbler showed for a short time before flying down into the field beyond as did Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler

                                                                                                           Yellow Browed

Not much else so headed across to Sumburgh gardens where a couple of Yellow Browed Warblers showed very well, while a Lesser Whitethroat kept well under cover.

Lots of Birders flocked to the south mainland with a Lanceolated and Blyth's Reed Warbler and even took time off to see a small pod of 4 Killer Whales which headed up the west side. We didn't see the Whales but had good views of a pod of more than 18 Porpoise

Scatness had a large flock of Skylark and Meadow Pipit, One Lapland Bunting and a number of waders including Redshank, Turnstone, Sanderling, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover and a flock of 30 Greylag flying south.

                                                                                                            Wigeon

                                                                                                   Meadow Pipit
More Shetland photos at www.amazingshetland.co.uk