8th October 2024 Unst NE6 Overcast

A very windy day hampering birding.

Norwick: 4 Robin, Garden Warbler, 6 Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler, Goldcrest, Ring Ouzel, 15 Redwing, 4 Brambling & Common Rosefinch.

7th October 2024 Unst ESE4 Overcast with showers

The first notable arrival of Redwings proved a nice early morning spectacle.

Norwick: alba Wagtail, 2 Robin, 8 Blackcap, Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 170 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, 3 Brambling & Common Rosefinch.

Skaw: 2 Robin, Goldcrest & 2 Redwing. 

Haroldswick: 2 Whooper Swans, Chiffchaff, 10 Blackbird & 15 Redwing.

Ring Ouzel at Norwick

Whooper Swans arriving just before dusk at Haroldswick

6th October 2024 Unst S2 Overcast

A very quiet walk to Skaw and back so this afternoon we put some time into obtaining more views of the Paddyfield & Lanceolated Warbler.

Norwick: Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Lanceolated Warbler, Paddyfield Warbler, 4 Blackcap, Willow Warbler, 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, Goldcrest, 13 Redwing, Fieldfare, Tree Sparrow, Brambling & Common Rosefinch.

Skaw: Wheatear.

Paddyfield Warbler at Norwick

Lanceolated Warbler at Norwick

5th October 2024 Unst SSW1 Light rain

The highlight of our day was finding a Paddyfield Warbler being the second that I've found in the UK.

Norwick: Robin, Paddyfield Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Goldcrest & Common Rosefinch.

Skaw: Whinchat, Chiffchaff & Chaffinch.

Burrafirth: 3 Redwing, Lesser Whitethroat & Yellow-browed Warbler.

Haroldswick: 2 Wigeon, Sand Martin, Robin, 3 Blackcap & 3 Yellow-browed Warbler.

Paddyfield Warbler at Norwick

Sand Martin at Haroldswick

4th October 2024 Unst S5 Overcast

A very unproductive day was completely turned around when Chris very kindly let us know that a group of observers had seen a Locustella in the pine plantation below Valyie. Even with the considerable help from Rob, Roger & Scott armed with their thermals, it still took an eternity for us to obtain the required views of it to be certain that it was a Lanceolated Warbler.  

Skaw: Chiffchaff & 8 House Sparrows.

Haroldswick: 3 Chaffinch.

Norwick: Lanceolated Warbler & Blackcap. 

Lanceolated Warbler at Norwick

3rd October 2024 Unst SW3 Clear

Norwick: 2 Robin, 6 Redwing, 5 Blackcap, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Goldcrest & 3 Redpoll h.

Skaw: Grey Wagtail.

Baltasound: Swallow.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Norwick

2nd October 2024 Unst NW2 Overcast

After a very clear night it was no real surprise there were fewer birds in evidence today but perseverance was rewarded with finding an obliging Jack Snipe creeping around at close range and my first Little Bunting of the year.

Norwick: Jack Snipe, White Wagtail, Robin, Whinchat, 7 Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 8 Redwing, Redpoll h, Siskin h.

NorthDale: Blackcap & Chiffchaff.

Haroldswick: 4 Redwing, Yellow-browed Warbler, Goldcrest & Little Bunting.

Willow Warbler at Norwick

Jack Snipe at Norwick
too close to focus with my DSLR this image was obtained with my phone

Little Bunting at Haroldswick