Whilst near Hamnavoe, I saw my first Skylark of the year at 10.40am that was followed by a small flock of 4 flying north around 10 minutes later, but by around an hour later I'd seen 40, including birds singing for prolonged periods overhead as if already holding territory - it felt like Spring had sprung! Further signs of Spring included 30 Oystercatchers in a field at Burravoe where I also saw a Fieldfare. On returning to Unst, I saw my first Lesser Black-backed Gull of the year at Easter Loch and just as I was leaving Uyeasound a subadult male Hen Harrier was seen flying north. On arriving home, it wasn't really a surprise to see a Skylark feeding behind our house!
Subadult male Hen Harrier at Uyeasound
even chasing a Skylark!
