Black & White

Still not many migrants around in the south Mainland, Unst however seems to be doing better with Lesser Yellowlegs, Buff Breasted Sandpiper and Bairds Sandpiper & a Yellow Breasted Bunting on Whalsay recently

Blackbird showing signs of moulting

Fulmar are always worth seeing especially when  dancing in the wind

These gales may bring some American birds over to Shetland, but no easterly winds in sight as yet

Starling showing Leucism

Good to have the sun out although it was a bit windy. Twite around in small flocks, the one below at Sumburgh

a gathering of Shag also at Sumburgh

I was surprised to find this Meadow Pipit still feeding young at Quendale, shows what a good season its been for most birds

Flocks of Meadow Pipit also forming with a flock of 30 at Grutness

Good numbers of the bigger and more colourful Northern Wheatear in the south Mainland

This Bar Headed goose arrived at Sandwick and stayed a couple of days in the company of Graylags. Bar Headed Geese are now breeding in the UK (less than 15 pairs). Most are escapes although this one wasn't ringed

Turnstones at Sandwick adults and juveniles this group was quiet confiding

For at least 3-4 years this starling showing a form of  leucism  has been present in Sandwick. Normally it flies off but for once it stayed reasonably close

Pullars Loch, Shetland

Pullars Loch in Lerwick is only small but attracts a lot of birds, have a look back at the Hooded Merganser blog.

Redshank normally very vocal but this one allowed a close approach and didn't call

Turnstones just at the other side of the loch

Grey Heron always seem to be present

Dunlin, a pair of birds that were very confiding

Mute Swan family on the loch then a short fly over onto the sea