Quendale Great Grey Shrike

 This bird had been down at Quendale for a few days before i managed to see it. A trip the previous day drew a blank, even though a couple of birders had seen and photographed it around the mill

Scanning around the bushes revealed around 100 Starling and House Sparrow but no sign of the shrike

I headed up to the dam flushing several Wren and Meadow Pipit and one Siberian Chiffchaff

Just before the gate the Shrike flew up from the ground onto the posts near the gate and gave good views.

It allowed a closer approach before flying along the path resting on a gate and seem settled

It was good to see this Shrike so close and all by myself. Good to compare it to the Hillswick GGShrike

It was collecting a few bees as i left it

Sumburgh Farm birds

A good number of Whinchats have passed through Shetland this last week, always good to see and this one spent a couple of days round the farm, mostly in the garden

 

It was good to see this Kestrel which looked exhausted and was resting on a wall

It eventually few onto a roof and was perched there for another 10 mins before moving off south

I watched it for a good 10mins 

Shetland Western Bonelli's Warbler

We have already had a good migration period but have at least another month to see some goodies

This Western Bonelli's Warbler was found on Saturday morning and is still present today

With plenty of insects about why move on. If this bird had turned up at the end of the months there would have been a big crowd but when i saw it yesterday only three of us watched this super- fast warbler

It was seen in three areas, next to the mill although the light wasn't good, up past the yard and down near the bridge, th last site the best for light and activity

Hugh Harrop confirmed it was a western by the call, so i have now been able to see both east and western Bonelli's, now they have been split

Actually, another Bonelli's warbler was seen at Toab the same day as this was found.

This is a rare species in Shetland, and it was good to get so close for photos as it worked the edges of the bushes for insects

I have seen this species before, several times in France but always good to get it on the local list