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
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