Another clear morning without a cloud in the sky combined with a southeasterly breeze. The Robin and at least 7 Bramblings were still in our garden. A walk of the headland at Skaw produced a Sparrowhawk and a Pied Wagtail and Lamba Ness added 2 Song Thrushes. A walk to Norwick was proving quiet with 3 Woodpigeons, a Dunnock, 3 Robins, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, a Chaffinch and 5 Bramblings seen but whilst walking the ravine at Valyie I came face to face with this little beauty...
Tengmalm's Owl at Valyie
The third record for Unst. A female was obtained on 4th January 1908 and one was caught in a barn in the north end of Unst on 23rd January 1912 being kept alive until the 19th February 1912. In addition, Saxby reported seeing the species several times at Halligarth prior to 1871.
