Shetland Bee-eater

Back in the 1970's i picked out four birds i really wanted to see. But thought it would be impossible to see any of these in the UK

The four are Roller,  Hoopoe, Golden Oriole and Bee-eater. Well I have seen the last three in Shetland.

In 1992 I think, we saw Bee eaters at Vidlin in a small conifer plantation. It seemed odd seeing one perched above a Shetland sheep

Then great views of Golden Oriole in the open at Quarff, but I had seen a few before at Kergord and Halligarth

The Hoopoes at Quarff and then earlier this year at Burra 

But back to the Bee eater today at Ollebery in the north mainland. It had already been present since Sunday and had showed really well yesterday

I headed north in sunshine which quickly turned to heavy rain and black clouds. Arriving just behind another Shetland birder we parked up near the original site and waited.

It showed straight away flying passed a few time but headed up the hill and out of sight

It re appeared flying over head towards a small group of conifer landing on a fence post. A couple of birders went round and got views and we quickly followed.

By this time the Bee eater had flown up into a near by paddock and landed on top of a fence post. from here it flew out and caught a couple of insects

The rain started again so it was always difficult for photography and it stayed distant.

It flew again and landed behind us, then moved again back to the original side but further up the hill

I caught a view as it sat in a bush , then it flew down the hill but disappeared just as another couple of birders arrived

I headed back to Lerwick to see whether the Barred warbler was still present at the bowling green. No go so down to Cunningsburgh where a Greenish warbler and Red Backed shrike had been seen.

I could see about 10 birders down in a park but decided to give it a miss when heavy rain started to fall

I did see a Stonechat along a fence and then found out I had missed a pod of Killer whales at St Ninian's