Shetland joining in with a little goose movement. A little circuit around RSPB Spiggie, produced. A single Tundra bean goose, European White-fronted goose, and 3 Taiga bean geese, joining the lingering 20 Barnacle geese, 2 Pink-footed geese and in excess of a thousand Greylag too. #birdingshetland

Absolutely epic tonight in Shetland

A 1st year female Siberian Rubythroat in a Shetland @rspbscotland.bsky.social Species on the Edge winter cover crop this afternoon. #birdingshetland #birdingscotland

Fourth Barred warbler of the year in the garden. That’s two years on the run with 4 records in the garden. Taken through my salt spray covered window. #shetlandbirding #scotlandbirding

Another great trip to Fair Isle has come to an end. But some nice highlights, and some impressive day counts of Blackcap and Woodcock in particular. A Northern flavour to the final day- with Northern Bullfinches arriving.

A classic day in Fair Isle today. With superb numbers of Woodcock and Blackcap especially, amongst a good spread of thrushes. A personal highlight was finding this Isabelline wheatear with @birds-and-me.bsky.social. Just a second for Fair Isle.

You can now make a late autumn visit to the newly opened Obs with a special deal with prices from £99 per person per night (full-board, en suite accom) during the whole of Oct 2025. 25% discount for 7-13 nights 33% discount for 14+ nights See all our prices at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/prices

#birdingscotland Absolute stunner of a bird. Grey (Red) Phalarope, female at RSPB Loch of Spiggie today. A plumage I have longed to see. Thanks Phil

A few passerine migrants are starting to arrive- with favourable winds next few days for more to get moving. Hopefully a better spring for numbers of common migrants. First Whinchat of the year always great. #shetlandbirds

Passerine movement is slowly getting going. This female Hawfinch arrived in a neighbours garden today, then made her way down to mine 👍 Camera lens is off for repair, so just on my phone and scope though the window. #shetlandbirds, #unitbird

Back of the camera as card won’t load. Always incredible watching Orca- at the end of our road and opposite the house.

A pretty quiet BGBW, so set off for my usual check of RSPB Loch of Spiggie. Superb to find this drake Bufflehead (almost certainly relocated from Foula). Less than 40m it stayed before departing. No camera. So my awful scoped shot. And a flight shot sent to me by George Petrie. #BirdingScotland

Stunning display tonight

Both American Coot and American Wigeon still present at their respective sites of RSPB Spiggie and Hillwell.

Part 2- Some highlights from the birding year in Shetland.

With the close of 2024 days away, a few posts looking back on the year. First post, some highlights from the work year. @rspb.bsky.social

Went for a quick seawatch whilst waiting for Isabelle to get her nails done. Watching a Glaucous gull fly past, when Orca appeared in my view. Superb

A very enjoyable family holiday to Florida. A non-birding holiday, but still managed 132 species. 👍

Just a few days left on our family trip to Florida- fantastic to see Bobcat and Manatees yesterday.