13th March 2023 Unst NE8 Overcast

We awoke to a northeasterly gale but the long-awaited thaw begins... we hope! The winds subsided mid-afternoon so we made it to the beach where a first-cycle Iceland Gull performed nicely in some afternoon sunshine.

horrible weather but at least the thaw begins...

A small area of our lawn appears and a Lapwing in poor condition takes a look

First-cycle Iceland Gull at Norwick

11th March 2023 Unst N4 Snow

Very few birds remain in our immediate vicinity but with so much laying snow that's no surprise! Thankfully our power has remained on but we hear of others that have been less fortunate.

It looks like Nemuro, Hokkaido... but unfortunately without the birds!

8th March 2023 Unst N4 Snow

Unfortunately the snowy freeze continues... a first-cycle Iceland Gull on Norwick beach but just a single Skylark remains trying to pick a living... 

the grim conditions continue - dire for the islands' crofters

Blackbird tackling a frozen apple core!

7th March 2023 Unst N3 Snow

The snowy weather now taking its toll on the livestock and birds. We couldn't venture far but saw our first 2 Jack Snipe of the year in front of our house, 3 Common Snipe and a few Skylarks.

Lamba Ness under threatening skies

6th March 2023 Unst N5 Snow

The forecast overnight snow duly arrived. On a scan from the house around midday I saw my first Skylark of the year, an hour later there were 3, then 5 and by late afternoon the flock was comprised of 16.

Norwick

5th March 2023 Unst N3 Overcast

For most of the day it remained nicer than forecast although the promised sleet and snow arrived from early afternoon. A tour of the island produced 3 Icelandic Redwings at Norwick, a Snow Bunting at Haroldswick, a Pink-footed Goose, 2 European White-fronted Geese and a Wood Pigeon at Baltasound. However, the best was saved to last as after weeks, if not months of looking, we finally enjoyed prolonged views of the Kumlien's/Thayer's Gull at Easter Loch, Uyeasound.

First-cycle Kumlien's/Thayer's Gull at Easter Loch, Uyeasound

The dark Kumlien's/pale Thayer's conundrum has been rumbling on for years with the confusion and differing treatments being employed either side of the Atlantic rather neatly summarised when discussing a first-cycle individual at Dunbeg, Argyll here. However, with the lump of Iceland Gull and Thayer's Gull it has partially been laid to rest as described here. It is of course still enjoyable to watch and to attempt to document the features shown by individuals occurring in the UK.

4th March 2023 mainland Shetland

The highlight of the day came early as a Long-eared Owl was seen hunting pre-dawn as I drove through Baltasound on my way to the mainland. A day surveying produced a male Sparrowhawk and a couple of Red Grouse.