Sunday 12 May 2024

Gt Northern Divers in Shetland

We can always see Gt Northern Divers in Shetland
we get more in winter but also a few in summer and that means in breeding plumage
There were 4 birds at West Voe, Sumburgh, all different plumages and one bird calling
In the US they are called Loons






 

Tuesday 7 May 2024

Shetland Bluethroat

Lots of migrants about these last several days and having already found a Wyrneck at Grutness I came across this superb Male Red Spotted Bluethroat

It is always good to find a good bird and there is plenty og opportunity in Shetland to do this.

I had only just entered the quarry at Quendale when this Bluethroat appeared over to the left and spent 5 mins working away to get to a manure heap but was then chased off by a wheatear.
It quickly came back and started feeding again. This was a well marked bird, always better in spring


 

Saturday 4 May 2024

Shetland Starling

Shetland Starlings are very noisy at the moment. The Starlings here are sedentary and do not migrate like others that you see further south
Shetland has a good population and they are nesting at the moment. A few always nest in the engine space in cars and a few fires are normal, so check under the bonnet
Flocks of Starlings are often seen on the moors and in fields feeding and this happens all year round