Red flanked Bluetail at Geosetter.

Red flanked Bluetail, Geosetter, Shetland Isles

Red flanked Bluetail

Red flanked Bluetail

Pallas's warbler

Pallas's warbler

Friday 8th October 2010

Our last full day on Shetland began with a search round Sandwick, Hoswick, Channerwick and Loch Spiggie. We didnt add any species to the trip list until we got word that a Red flanked Bluetail had been found at Geosetter by Rob Brookes, an Unst birder who had found the Lanceolated warbler. We were on site within 5 minutes with some impressive navigation from Julian. The bird had been seen in the steep sided Burn but was not showing at all when we got there. A bit of clambering up and down the grassy slopes was called for before the bird was refound. It showed really well often coming on to the grassy banks. It was a bit frustrating if you were on the wrong side of the burn but everybody got good views eventually. Another highlight of the day was the sight of 3 Long tailed ducks at Grutness, 2 drakes and a female, superb birds. We also added Lesser Whitethroat to our trip list back at Channerwick to complete another excellent days birding.

Saturday 9th October

Our last day began as every other; Bran flakes, toast and Marmalade and Coffee, very civilised. even sat at the table. What made this breakfast a little different though was a Ring tailed Hen Harrier which flew across the field in front of us. I shouted to Julian who was doing something personal in the toilet. In true birder tradition he nipped his ablutions in the bud and scrambled into the lounge to get a look at the bird before it disappeared.

We had time to add Pallas' warbler to the list at Sumburgh farm and have one last scan of Grutness bay, where Julian picked up a Grey Plover, before we headed for the airport. We had noticed a definte movement of Redwing coming in off the sea and with Easterly winds forecast prospects for the coming week looked good. It had been a great week, seen some special birds, met some nice people, seen the Autumn Watch Otters and many wonderful views.