24th July 2026 Unst SW5 Showers

We completed the SOTEAG beached bird survey for north Unst.

Norwick: 2 Sanderling.

Burrafirth: Knot.

Adult Knot at Burrafirth

19th July 2026 Yell NW2 Clear

A day spent working on Yell where it was nice to chance upon a family party of Red Grouse.

Red Grouse on Yell

15th July 2026 Yell E1 Overcast clearing

A day spent working on Yell among a familiar line-up of upland moorland species.

Golden Plover on Yell

8th June 2026 Unst SW3 Rain clearing

A flock of 4 Goosander flying south at Skaw were a pleasant surprise being the first I've seen this year. Flushing a Quail twice was also notable being a species I've seldom seen.

Skaw: 4 Goodsander, Quail, Sedge Warbler & Chiffchaff.

Goosanders flying south at Skaw

Quail at Skaw

7th June 2026 Unst SSE3 Fog clearing

It was nice to find my first Marsh Warbler of the year.

Skaw: Marsh Warbler.

Norwick: Pied Wagtail, 5 Chiffchaff & 2 Tree Sparrow.

Marsh Warbler at Skaw

6th June 2026 Unst

I was pleased to hear a Golden Oriole both calling and singing whilst taking a look at Norwick this morning. A sound recording here.

5th June 2026 Unst

A short video of Louis's Red-throated Pipit at Norwick beach here.

Red-throated Pipit at Norwick