Shetland visible migration

 While looking for the Short Toed Lark at Scatness (which i didn't see) it was noted that there was 100's of Meadow Pipit and Skylark. Not the best thing to find when you are looking for one bird in a large area

These birds are feeding up ready to migrate when the weather turns.

While we dont have a lot of small birds, like down south these two are aways on view during the breeding season

It

It is especially good to see Skylarks which are still in good numbers in Shetland. In England they have declined and in a Farmland bird survey that the woodhouse Wildlife Group organised we found them mainly in stubble at this time of year

Birds full of song

Two great singers, always a pleasure to hear then at the start of spring

The Shetland wren is with us all year round and is a very active bird seen in a variety of habitats

They often pop up when least expected and give you a loud blast.

 They Skylark on the other hand leaves Shetland in late October/ Early November and returns in February/ March and is one of the key indicators that spring is with us. Some bird might over winter is its mild

Shetland skylark numbers seem to be reasonably stable and on my breeding birds survey which i have been involved with for the past 7 years, numbers on both squares have not really been moving one way or the other.

It is great to open our front door and hear skylarks singing all around.

Some Shetland Puffin books still available at £14 +£4.75 postage and packing, A4 size with 97 colour photos and lots of information.  email:shetspuffinbook@gmail.com,