Pectoral Sandpiper - Shetland

 I was down at the south end of Shetland, when the news broke of a Pectoral Sandpiper just a few minutes away from home.

As there was no migrants about i headed up to find a small group watching the Sandpiper feeding among seaweed.

It was feeding with Turnstone and Starlings and finding plenty of insects to keep it there for another day, even though the weather has changed again, back to gales.

All my previous sightings have been distant but this didn't seem too bothered coming close.

This is a scarce bird from America or Siberia, as we have had northerly winds if could well have come from the latter.

Red Throated Pipit- Shetland

 

Spring migration in Shetland.

 Good to see lots of Wheatear about and a few other common migrants such as Chiffchaff. There has 

been a few scarce migrants as well including Ring Necked Ducks, American wigeon, Queen Eider, Common Crane and Little Tern

Chiffchaff are more common up here than Willow Warblers and one or two have been singing which is always a good sign.

The weather has not been good for migrants with strong northerly winds and even some snow.

Unlike down in England we don't have a dawn chorus as such, which i do miss. Perhaps Blackbird, Wren and Starling are good enough.

Shetland- Virkie

 The Pool of Virkie always produces a lot of birds but depends on the tide. There are always lots of gulls as well as waders. Yesterday 34 Bar Tailed Godwit, 38 Ringed Plover, 56 Dunlin, 6 Sanderling, 18 Curlew, 12 oystercatcher, 58 Turnstone

The Red Necked Grebe continues to provide excellent views in the marina 

a few migrants have arrived including Pied Wagtails, Chiffchaff and Wheatear as well as a Swallow over

Shetland Purple Sandpiper

Purple Sandpiper and one Turntone

                                                              Purple Sandpiper

 

Shetland Red Necked Grebe

Having seen a summer plumage Red Necked Grebe in the north mainland towards the end of last year it was good to see the contrast of a winter plumage bird

The summer bird stayed around 8-10 weeks but this one disappeared after a day or so.

This winter bird was down among the boats at Virkie marina and gave close views unlike the summer plumaged bird which was always distant.

The light was perfect for most of the time. I used the OM1-2 with the 150-400mm lens a great combination.

The one below is a massive crop may be 80% so i am please with the result from this 4/3 camera

 

sea and coastal birds - shetland

All taken on OM1-2 with 150-400mm + built in teleconverter 

                                                                            Long Tailed Duck

                                                                    Red Throated Diver

Long Tailed Duck

Turnstone

Barnacle and Greylag Geese

                                                                   Red Throated Diver