Twite

 Its always a joy to watch Twite and we have many in Shetland

a few days ago a flock of more than 100 came into the field in front of our house which had the grass cut providing feeding opportunities

Twite a sight

Starling have done well again this year with lots of flocks of more than 100 

They are nearly as noisy as the adult birds

Not quiet as colourful yet

 

Common Gull feeding on a dead bird. Could this lead to more bird flu. This is a way for it to spread throughout the few terns and gulls that are present this year at Grutness

It would appear that Gannet and Gt Skuas are the main birds to be affected by the bird flu which started among mass produced chickens in China

Great to see lots of young Twite about throughout Shetland, they don't seemed bothered about a close approach, providing you take your time

It will be interested to see what is said about the tern colonies which seem to be well down in numbers

Interestingly, Sandwick terns have been seen in the south mainland several times over the past two weeks. They breed in Orkney, but not yet in Shetland could this be a first.

In the last couple of days a Pacific Swift was seen at Sumburgh Head for a few hours and today a very, very rare Magpie on the west side

LIttle Shetland Birds

Startng to get a few migrants into Shetland

Twite is a resident bird and are still in small flocks

 

Lots of Blackbird on territory and today we had a small fall with 9 Blackbirds in the field in front of our house

Nice to see a Brambling down at Quendale

Wheatears all over the place, so good to see them back

Lets not forget the House Sparrow, still a common bird in Shetland and i for one don't take them for granted

Someelse waiting for a tired migrant or two