Milky Tea

The morning started with a check on our Horses, a Pallass's Grasshopper Warbler had been found yesterday at the bottom of the field. All was well,but i had no intention of following 40 + around a iris bed , so I headed for Sumbrugh to relocate the Radde's Warbler at Sumbrugh.I soon found the bird in a nettle patch.These birds are intent on groveling around on the floor in the undergrowth, I just wanted it perched up.With patience it eventually obliged.

On the way back home ,called in at Channerwick to try for the Sykes Warbler.
No images obtained of this bouncing milky tea bird.
But witnessed two Rapters coming down the valley. A Merlin mobbing a Sparrowhawk, plus an obliging Dunlin.

Dunlin

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.

End of the Gale - 27th October 2009

27th October 2009



After days of gales from the East,expectations of an influx of birds to be jumping from out of the undergrowth now the wind had dropped,on this calm and dry day.Migrants in fact obvious by there absence.
The garden included Chiffchaff and Robin.
Chiffchaff

Checked the local fields for the Golden Plover flock.





Rob Fray put out a MDS text,Olive Backed Pipit at Levenwick. However after searching the area for the next hour, the bird showed,but very distantly.
A Blackcap and Reed Bunting finished the day.

Blackcap

Blackcap

Blackcap

Blackcap

Two Arctic warbler's in one tree !

8th October 2009 Checked to find the Arctic Redpoll was still at Aith,I would like to thank Jim for finding this bird and allowing me to capture this image of a falling snow flake.

8 October 2009
Russ Haywood an excellent Shetland birder found a Arctic Warbler in Wester Quarf, then a few days later, two birds.
I was well pleased to experience the same two birds in the same tree.

Arctic Warbler

Arctic Warbler Lesser Whitethrought

Blackcap