Arctic Redpoll - 5th October 2009

5th October 2009
Jim Nicolson found a Hornnemans Arctic Redpoll at Aith ( Cunningsbrough).
The bird was in great condition. The bird seemed small compared to others I have seen,possibly a female?.

Autumn in full swing - 4th October 2009

4th OCTOBER 2009

The Veery and Pechora Pipit still on Whalsey.
Decided to return for the Veery for what could be the once in a lifetime encounter.
The wonderfull people of Whallsey gave me a first rate welcome.Because of repairs to the ferry terminal on the island, only foot passengers allowed onto the island. So I thought the chance to see the showy Pechora Pipit was once again out of the question. But Jason Atkinson a Whalsey birder offered to run me over to the other side of the island to give the bird a try.
The bird gave us supurb views. Many thanks to Jason, Whalsey Birders and residents.

Back at Symbister,intermitant views of the Veery,but still a superb day.

Veery Nice

Friday and news of a Veery on Foula sent a number of birders, saturday morning ,either by boat or plane. that very same day,come noon yet another Veery came out,this time from Whalsey. Five minutes after the news broke,I was on the road,heading for the ferry out to Whalsey.
Two hours gave probably a maximum of 20 seconds of viewing time.
But special non the less.

Eye of the Taiga (Fly Stalone)

What a week!

The news of a Taiga Flycatcher in Shetland,being just the third for Britain.

Started a journey at 4am, for the "red eye" ferry.

The sky was clear and the wind had dropped overnight. My thoughts-the bird had gone.

But waiting for the second ferry of the morning, a text came through,the bird was still on Fetlar.

Taiga Flycatcher

On the way back through Yell, a derelict house and overgrown garden was the temporary home for a Arctic Warbler

Shetland Wren

Meanwhie back at the ranch a Yellow Browed still performed for the crowds

Autumn migration in 1/8th swing

Rock Pipit

Wheatear

Pink footed Geese

Greenshank on Burra

Yellow Browed Warbler,still puts on a show,dispite the gales and lots of Birders.

So Far this week

Yellow Browed Warbler

The Garden Turned up a Willow Warbler first thing in the morning,that in its self was nice, as the lack of migrants due to the Westerly winds makes anything seem special.
Then later in the day I heard the distinctive call of one of my favourite birds
Yellow Browed Warbler. But then it made it even more special , as I obtained a shot I had been after for years , but happens so quickly, hovering underneath a leaf.

Willow Warbler

4 Pied Wagtails came to roost in the garden.