Buff Duo

A return to Eshaness today for a Buff-belied Pipit.
Waited around the area it was last seen (40minutes previous)

2 hours later and I'm still waiting.nipped over to have a quick look at the Buff-breasted Sandpipers from the other day. They returned after the chopper fright.
but now only two birds.
Returned to the Pipit site, and after another hour it suddenly appeared. Giving great views.

A day between birds

Shetlanders have a saying "a day batween waders", thats not Waders but weathers.
This is what they call a good weather day.
A scattering of good scarce or rare migrants around the islands. But generaly birds are thin on the ground.
Found a Red Breasted Flycatcher in the garden,but pruven very elusive, in the windy conditions.
I settled for this Blackcap at Sumbrugh, that eventually, after carefull stalking,gave in to some good views.
If its good always stick with what youve got.

Buff Breasted Bannished By Big Blue Chopper

Eshaness - Shetland -Buff Breasted Sandpiper & Lapland Bunting

Arrived at Eshaness later than i would have liked. Re checked the local patch for the White Thrush, but to no avail.
On arrival located the now three birds, but only had arround 20 minutes with them, when suddenly an Helicopter from one of the off shore rigs came closer, and closer.
Flying very low overhead.
The sandpipers took flight, following them with bins, they flew into the distance untill the spots bacame nothing.
Initialy I felt gutted, but then , if i had arrived half an hour later, they would have been gone.

After the suuden loss of the Buff breasts, I tried my luck on

some Lapland Buntings.

Part of a large influx, the largest ever recorded in Shetland.

Another Arctic day

Another breezy day, but sunny.
Arctic Warbler at Sumbrugh Head.
plus Barred Warbler, Yellow Browed Warbler.

Yesterdays Barred Warbler and Yellow Browed Warbler

and a Chiffchaff.
On the way back from south mainland, Shetland, News came out of a Whites Thrush. In the village that I live.
on arrival at the local, just 4 others birders. We obtained two brief views, before the masses arrived.

Warblers are not boring like ducks

Friday 24th September 2010

Another blustery day in the south mainland of Shetland.
Returned to Sumbrugh head and the relatively sheltered quarry.
A good mix of Warblers, including this Barred Warbler.

Well you know how i feel about warblers, and this Goldcrest

is no exception.

I have tried for a few years now to obtain them hovering.

and a smart Chiffchaff

Thursdayy 23rd September 2010

Warblers are my thing, they rarely just sit about, like boring ducks,they move around a lot like err warblers.

This Arctic Warbler was at Sumbrugh Head.

A smart example, with a rather thin neat Super, distinct grey nape, but just a feint wingbar on its left wing and non on the right.