BBS

Done my BTO 'breeding bird survey' areas of East Yell this morning, and with lots of recently fledged birds about, it looks to have been a good season for passerines anyway. Lots of young Starlings about, which seem to be forming a major part of the local Herring Gull diet at present...



Only migrant bird of note being a Whimbrel at Burravoe this afternoon. Either a very late migrant? or failed breeder?


Young Blackbird;

Young Meadow Pipit;

Herring Gull snack;

And the local Pheasant;

Blast from the past; Just to prove that because it's all gone quiet just now for migrants, doesn't mean it's all over just yet! Seen my first and only (so far...) Red-footed Falcon on this day in 2006. The bird showed quite well both perched and hunting, at Brow Marsh, for about 5 min before heading off. The same day I also had a singing Turtle Dove in my Garden at Burravoe, and a Marsh Harrier at Loch of Hillwell.... So never say never!

Summer Time!

Well it felt decidedly like Summer today, with temperatures up to 14 degrees and sunny weather (and about time too!). Had to visit Lerwick today, so afterwards we decided to head to Sumburgh Head to pat a few Puffins. Only we didn't find many Puffins (presume they are on eggs just now?) So no Puffin pics....



A general look about down South proved not a lot was happening, but on getting home I did score the first singing Collared Dove for Burravoe (looks like the colonisation of this species continues).



Poss. Male 'Northern' Eider?