Common migrants

Its not just the scarce or rare migrants that pass through Shetland.
The Levenwick Swainsons Thrush found late yesterday afternoon, was still residents in a large garden. A 2 hour wait produced fleeting views.
Then back to the garden for the common migrants. Like this Pied Flycatcher, the third Flycatcher species photographed this week.
Also these spanking Brambling.

Big Birds

1st October Warbler day
The Booted warbler found at Quendale gave slightly better views,but was still rather wary.

Then Radde,s Warbler came out at Sumbrugh Quarry.

















Radde's Warbler









Brambling,

Sumbrugh

Bluethroat Sumbrugh Quarry

Another Duo

Today was very windy gale force 5-6 , then by nightfall increasing to force 8-9,around 75mph.
I had been watching a very elusive Booted Warbler in a crop field, not my idea of fun. So took a walk further to find this Red Breasted Flycatcher,trying to make the best of a bad day,by sheltering at the base of willows in a dense walled garden. Photography was tricky,lowlight,high wind, and a quick moving flycatcher. But this was fun.

This week had Spotted,Pied and Red Breasted Flycatcher in the garden,with the winds being so strong, I only had a chance of this Spotted Flycatcher.

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.