Shetland Birding

We have just returned form 8 days birding on Shetland courtesy of Shetland Nature. The birds were excellent (100+), the weather changeable and the hotels well located with superb food.

The Spiggie Hotel

The Baltasound Hotel

 

We spent 2 days birding on Shetland Mainland, 1 day on Fetlar and the remainder on Unst.

 

On our very first afternoon we were watching a Siberian Rubythroat and, on our last day, an Eastern Bonelli's Warbler!!!! In between were lucky enough to also see a Siberian Stonechat, Bluethroat, Black Redstart, Wryneck, Great Grey Shrike, northern Treecreeper, Firecrest, Yellow-browed Warbler, Long-eared Owl and Olive-backed Pipit .....................

 

Long-eared Owl - Unst - 9 October 2014

 

Olive-backed Pipit - Fetlar - 8 October 2014

 

We also saw large numbers of Goldcrest and Brambling .....

 

Goldcrest - Unst - 7 October 2014

Brambling - Fetlar - 8 October 2014

 

A big thank you to Chris, our leader, and to Alan, Nicola, Andrew 1, Andrew 2 and Sam our fellow birders, not to forget Shetland and its majestic scenery ..........

 

Loch Spiggie

Fetlar

Pool of Virkie & Sumburgh Airport