Shetland- Common Shetland common migrants

Lots of common migrants arrived today in the gale force winds

100's of Fieldfare and redwing joined lots of Goldcrest, Blackcap and Blackbirds

Even 3 Coal Tit on Whalsay with Gt Tits on Skerries, both rare here

Down at Grutness 24 Common Scoter arrived and stayed the day

 

Glaucous Gull - Shetland

Good to find this Glaucous gull feeding down at West Voe.

First it was resting on the sea then moved in shore

As it moved onshore it moved towards a white object among the seaweed. After i had gone onto the beach i could see this was a dead Gannet, hopefully not a bird flu victim otherwise this prove fatal to this gull as well 

Luckily it only pecked at the Gannet before moving closer to feed on a dead sheep.

I manage to get closer and the gull seemed ok with this and continue to feed. With no one on the beach  it wasn't disturbed. There has been a couple of Glaucous Gulls just a  bit further north at Spiggie.

Today i was chasing a Hoopoe around Hoswick. It wasn't seen by me on the ground but i had several good views as it flew over. It has now been around for 3 days and seems settled. Also my first Swallow (6), Chiffchaff (2) and a singing Willow Warbler. It has now now turned very windy so i don't think i will get down again before it leaves.

On Foula, a Golden Oriole and Common Nightingale, Spring has arrived at last, while the Gt White Egret was still down at Brow Marsh
 

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll- Shetland

 First found on the 28 September, this Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll is still present at Toab in the south mainland

These photos are from the second day. Arriving early the bird was briefly seen to the east side of the village before disappearing

I decided to look round the west side and came across the bird feeding near a trailer in a small weedy patch

This is the first time i have seen a Hornemann's Arctic Repoll since one at Veensgarth about five years ago

This is a bird from Northern Canada and Greenland and this year has been exceptional with at least 8 birds arriving in Shetland

It fed along about 20 feet away total unconcerned about the 10 birders looking on

This is a cracking bird and seems well settled