Shetland Hen Harrier

 So good to see a Ringtailed Hen Harrier at Noss, Spiggie.

This may be the same one seen about a month ago and has been seen a few times around Spiggie and also further north.

I had just come to the junction from Noss to the main Spiggie Road when the Hen Harrier flew up from a field. I didn't have much time to react, stopped the car, seatbelt off , window down and reached for the camera which was on the passenger seat.  

Managed to catch it as it flew in front of the car in good light but then moved right straight into the sun

It a while since i have seen a Hen Harrier, numbers have dropped after a lot of persecution.

Shetland Common Crane

 Found this crane at Quendale, apparently the earliest record for Shetland. At first it was quiet close but eventually moved further away after 10 mins

This must have been the one seen flying over Fair Isle the day before

Quendale seems to be a regular place for Cranes although i dont see any last year

This will be off to Scandinavia soon