Thursday, 20 August 2020

Shetland Migration

 Migration has started with the odd rare bird turning up. Several Red Backed Shrike, Barred and Blyth Reed Wabler, Crossbills , Citrine wagtail and Iceterine warblers have been seen in last couple of days.

A good movement of waders with a few Black Tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Sanderling, Knot. Over 200 Golden Plover flew over the house this morning


Dunlin


The long stay Long Tailed Skua is still down at Dalsetter as well. A large movement of Meadow pipit was seen over Lerwick late on Wednesday.




Meadow Pipit showing more orange than usual


On the other side, Fulmar chicks are still in the nest and i found a house sparrow collecting food for young. 




We have had several Basking Shark spotted at various coastal areas, including 3 at Eshaness. 







I managed to catch up with one at Levenwick on Wednesday, just a pity the wether was over cast. It was estimated  to be at least 15 feet long.








It spent a good hour working one spot, twisting and turning just below the surface. These are filter feeders, swimming up and down mouth wide open.

A few Minkie whales and Porpoise have also been seen but no Killer Whales for a few weeks. Plenty of seals down at Sandwick and Levenwick.


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