Swainson's Thrush nailed

Typical Shetland scene - Bonxie over Sumburgh Airport

Siskin, a confiding bird on Shetland

Great grey Shrike(honest), Virkie

Sunday 3rd October 2010

The strong S.S.East wind continued to bend the Irises in the field in front of our chalet. The view extended across more fields out to the sea. We could watch Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew, Greylag geese and even saw a Ringtail Hen Harrier and Merlin as we were eating Breakfast. We started our first full day with a stroll round the tracks in Gord and we were almost immediately rewarded with our own Yellow browed warbler in garden bushes.

After our walk it was back to Levenwick to get better views of the Swainson's Thrush. The bird never showed well but I did manage to watch it on the ground for a few seconds at close range. Spent the rest of the day exploring sites on the South Mainland. At Channerwick we got brief glimpses of an elusive 'Booted' warbler but we were advised to take the opportunity to get a good look at the bird while there were only a few observers as it was being suggested that the bird might well be a Sykes' warbler. The advise was duly heeded.