Shetland sanderling

Sanderlings have arrived on there journey south. This flock of 88 birds spent all the time running back and forth from the tide edge

I spend a good 15 mins getting to a stage they accepted i wasn't a threat

They do come close, often running fast passed you

 

Blacktoft Marsh Harriers

 Great to see so many Marsh Harriers about, must have had around 20 sightings in the three hours i was on the reserve

I gather that there may be around 18 pairs breed at Blacktoft, so must be the best site in the UK

Blacktoft RSPB reserve

 

RSPB Blacktoft Sands Little Egret

 Blacktoft Birds

Marsh Harrier (12) Buzzard, Little Egret(6) Grey Heron (5) Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, GT Crested Grebe, Swift, Swallow, House Sparrow, Sand Martin, Goldfinch, Tree Sparrow (40), Cetti Warbler (6) Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Chaffinch, Mute Swan, Spotted redshank, Green Sandpiper (2) Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Black Tailed Godwit (3), Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, BHG, Herring Gull, LTT, Blue Tit, Pheasant, Robin, Blackbird, Pied Wagtail, 

Shetland - terns v Skuas

 With the decline of the gt Skua due to bird flu a couple of years ago it has given the Arctic Skua a chance to recover.

This year i have seen more Arctic than Gt Skuas. Other birds will have benefitted as well, Puffin especially seems to have had a good breeding season with only the odd Gt Skua patrolling the cliffs at Sumburgh Head.

Arctic Tern numbers have been down this year and i recon that the Grutness colony may be only a quarter of what it was last year.

It has not helped that people still keep entering the colony during the breeding season despite the five signs on the style. Even saw  a big tent one day.

Arctic Skuas will be leaving some along with the terns, heading down to south Africa.