Sunday 8 October 2017

The Shetland Isles - 2017

30th Sept - 7th October 2017

After a very long drive and a good flight we, (Pete and Joy Forbes and myself) arrived at Sumburgh on the southern tip of the Shetland Isles for a week's birding. I cannot recall the daily sequence of events but it involved a good deal of driving, courtesy Mr Julian Allen. Some exploration, a wide variety of weather conditions, mainly ranging from windy and wet to extremely windy and wet. I managed to get a couple of half decent photos when I remembered to take my camera with me.
It was also nice to see so many Shetland 'regulars' as well as the birds the islands attract from east and west.The week certainly started well with Common Crane, Wryneck and Great grey Shrike(2),Short toed Lark, a showy Rustic Bunting and a rather less obliging Pallas's Grasshopper warbler. A trip to Unst produced Red throated Pipit and our first Parrot Crossbills. On day 5 we finally caught up with one of several Little Buntings on the islands as well as the star bird for many, an American Buff-bellied Pipit.
American Buff bellied Pipit

Little Bunting

Parrot Crossbill, Lerwick

Short toed Lark

2 comments:

  1. Outstanding ticks Bob,the Crossbill is superb,looks like a rewarding trip,take care.
    John and Sue.

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    1. Nice to hear from you John and Sue, Hope you are both well.Yes it was a good week despite the weather.Not many photos but the Crossbill was particularly obliging. Bob

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