Sub Alpine warbler- Shetland

A Sub Alpine warbler had been present down at Quendale for 4 days so we made this our first call with rain and gales expected later in the afternoon.

A couple of birders had already gone away disappointed but Dougie (From Yell) was still present but had not seen it either

He disappeared after a good look round only seeing Robins & Blackcaps. The garden it had been seen in was very small but it had been favouring a Hebe which attracted a good number of insects to its lilac flowers.

The owners of the cottage opened the door and it was someone we know from Bressay who rents the cottage out, mostly to birders

They had found the bird and had seen it feeding about 1/2 hour before I arrived. So I stared at the Hebe and saw a bird moving inside it then flew, but this was another Robin which no doubt arrived in a big fall a couple of days ago

Another bird flew in low and called, this time identified by its call - the Sub Alpine Warbler. It flew straight out around the back of the cottage

About 20 mins later a bird flew over my shoulder and landed in the small hedge. It showed well this time and was the Subalpine Warbler

It moved in and out of the hedge giving great views from about 20 feet away, totally unconcerned. By the time I had been joined by Dougie and he also managed to get a few shots

I have seen a Moltonii race Subalpine Warbler up in Unst a few years ago, a male in breeding plumage which was collecting nest material, but this was equally as good being so close.

This was identified as a western species from its calls, which comes from Iberia, Southern France and parts of Italy.  I have seem a few in the hilly region just north of the Camargue but always distant

Two Barred Crossbills

There has been a Crossbill invasion this week with around 45 Two Barred Crossbills and 70 Common Crossbill.

July is always a good month for this irruptive species.

The Two Barred Crossbills were distributed throughout Shetland with birds in Unst, Yell, Whalsay, Bressay, Trondra and the mainland

At least 20 at Voe, 8 in Whalsay, 3 at Trondra and Sumburgh.

Even though a lot of people had good views at various locations I spent 6 hours between Sumburgh and Trondra only having brief views of a Red male and a female.

Birds would turn up on the cliffs of Sumburgh about 50 feet away but as soon as I arrived they had disappeared.

Over at Glendale, Trondra there was a large flock of Common Crossbill, I estimated 50 with a couple of Two Barred. I saw both Male and female Two Barred but the whole flock was very mobile

After lunch things went quiet and despite a couple of us searching we could only find about 10 Common Crossbill down at the bottom of the plantation.

The Two Barred Crossbills had a deeper call and would often be separate to the larger flock of Common Crossbill.

Also here , Woodpigeon (4), House Martin (4), Goldcrest, Blackbird, Starling and House Sparrow while Red Throated Diver called from the Voe

#Two Barred Crossbill, #Crossbills, #Shetland, #Trondra, #Sumburgh

Common Crane drop in

An early morning start failed to produce the Red Backed Shrike that arrived at Boddam the night before.

However the two cranes decided to stay around Hillwell, viewed from a distance. Having had good views they suddenly took off when a tour group decided to get out of the mini bus far too close to the cranes.

They headed north towards Spiggie but despite a search I couldn't relocate them but apparently they returned to Hillwell late in the day. This is normally a good spot to find Cranes, one stayed throughout last summer

These two birds are the ones that have been up in Unst for the past few days.

The Marsh Harrier, again another late arrival last night had gone from Spiggie, this is normal for migrants at this time of year.

Several Swallow took a liking to a newly cut field and perched on a nearly fence post. They were also landing on the grass and feeding.

A few Whooper Swan remain and a pair of Mute swan have nested at Spiggie although I couldn't see any young.

Lots of Oystercatcher, Lapwing and Curlew could be seen along the western side with a few Greylag.

Meadow Pipit , Wheatear and Skylark flittered among the grass.

Other migrants these last few days have included several Hobby, Sandwick Tern, Cuckoo, Reed & Marsh Warbler, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Grebe and a Pinkfoot. A Dead Scops owl was picked up in Bressay

 Common Seal

Shetland -Lesser Yellowlegs

On Sunday the Quail was still singing at Brow Marsh , now into its second week. The Lesser Yellowlegs returned for distant views at Scatness.

It was chased away first by two Redshank and then by some children.

This is a north American wader normally found in autumn August - October

Kittiwakes collecting mud

On Thursday a Great Knot turned up at Skaw Unst only the 6th UK record and it is still present today