The Shetland Isles. Oct.2018

I should start by thanking the various members of our group who contributed in making this year's trip so enjoyable and rewarding The fact that I got on the right planes at the right airports at the right times is in no small way due to Pete and Joy Forbes to whom I am very grateful.
It was in many ways a typical Shetland trip with a mixture of weather and a variety of migrating birds. Although the overall numbers of birds coming in was probably down on previous years there was a fair sprinkling of scarce and rare birds to keep birders interested. Day 1 on the islands produced Pied billed Grebe and a delightful Marsh warbler. This is by no means a comprehensive account of all the birds seen just some of the more memorable scarcities. On day 2 we took a ferry to Bressay where we failed to see an American Golden Plover but did connect with a very showy Citrine wagtail. The next day saw us visiting a number of sites on South Mainland highlights were a Pied Flycatcher and a Common Rosefinch. Another Rosefinch was found the following day. Other 'good' birds included Red breasted Flycatcher and Yellow browed warbler.
The next day saw us heading for Fetlar for one of the highlights of the week, a Snowy Owl. An impressive sight as the bird flew over the hillside in front of us. We also had good views of Barred warbler before returning to Yell where we eventually saw a Swainson's Thrush.
Our final days saw a few more rarities: Pallas's warbler, Ring necked Duck and Booted warbler to wrap up a very enjoyable week.

 Citrine Wagtail

R.B. Flycatcher

R. B. Flycatcher

Common Rosefinch

Grey Phalarope on a Grey day

Thursday    September 2018

With the weather obviously closing in I made the decision to make a rare visit to Napton Reservoir to see the Grey Phalarope. The weather certainly deteriorated after an initial look at the bird and after a taking a few photos in the drizzle the heavens opened and it was time to retreat.

Grey Phalarope, Napton

Grey Phalarope

Unexpected treat at Alvecote pools

Tuesday 18th September 2018

Highlight of the week was undoubtedly a visit to Mill pool, Alvecote on the 10th when a Barn Owl got up from an area of long grass and flew at head height before dropping down into the bottom of a  hedge. A Greenshank, 2 Whinchat and Swift were also seen on this visit. There have been several sightings of Hobby both at Alvecote and Caldecote. The last sighting of Redstart at Mancetter was the 9th, ending a great run of records of the species at this sight.

Plenty of local interest

11th Sept 2018

With a short break visiting friends in Somerset, walks to include Mancetter Hill and Alvecote pools have been almost daily. Sightings of Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Whinchat have been particularly good so far but warbler sightings have been few and far between. The first sighting of Wheatear  was on 4th of September with a pair on'the hill' .A bigger surprise at Alvecote yesterday came in the form of a Barn Owl flushed from long grass near the path. Greenshank, 2 Whinchat and a Swift were also seen there.

Wheatear, Mancetter

Redstart

Wheatear

Movement of outgoing migrants continues

Thursday 30th August 2018

No more sightings of Whinchats this week but numbers of Redstarts and Spotted Flycatchers moving through have been impressive with daily sightings, and maximums of 4 Spot. Flies at the Anchor bushes, Hartshill and 3 Redstarts at Alvecote. In contrast, sightings of warbler species have been few and far between so far.

Redstart, Mancetter

Spotted Flycatcher, Alvecote

Redstart, juv. Alvecote

Spotted Flycatcher, Hartshill

Migrant watch

Monday 20th August 2018

Checking local sites regularly has produced a number of outgoing migrants. Nothing particularly rare or unusual but always good to see on local 'patches'. Over the past few days Whinchats ( 2) continue to  be seen on the 'docklands' at Caldecote. Redstarts have been at Alvecote (1) and Mancetter (2). Today I saw my first Warwickshire Spotted Flycatcher of the year near the Anchor pub, Hartshill. In fact 4 birds were at this site with Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap and Garden warbler for good measure. Several Ravens were also seen (and heard) in the area.

Spotted Flycatcher, Nr. Hartshill

Spotted Flycatcher