The winds hadn't abated overnight and I arrived at Lamba Ness to a flash of lightning, a clap of thunder and a hailstorm! Just after the hail cleared through I noticed two Humpback Whales heading directly towards me - amazing! They closely approached the cliff before turning south and made slow progress in the heavy seas heading towards the Hill of Clibberswick. I then sea-watched for an hour but saw little. As I was leaving Lamba Ness I again saw the Humpbacks approaching and I was soon joined by Robbie to enjoy the spectacle of another close approach. On returning home the Humpbacks could be viewed distantly from our garden. After lunch we drove to Westing seeing the lingering Little Grebe at Baltasound pier on our return.
Lamba Ness seawatch 9.50am - 11.10am; 20 Gannets, 100 Kittiwakes (mainly north), 1 Black Guillemot on sea, 2 Humpback Whales
Millfield; 1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 8 Twite, 2 Humpback Whales
Westing; 1 Merlin fem-type, 1 Oystercatcher
Baltasound; 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron
Saxa Vord camp; Carrion Crow 1
Humpback Whales off Lamba Ness
Adult winter Gannet off Lamba Ness
its plumage appeared partially contaminated?
Little Grebe at Baltasound pier
Lingering since Robbie found it in November last year this individual is clearly attempting to overwinter on its chosen salt water site. The Shetland Bird report for 2017 notes that this species is becoming increasingly scarce in Shetland and that in that year records were received of no more than 8 individuals.
