An overcast morning with some light rain that became more persistent through the afternoon. Our garden held some early morning promise with an overflying Arctic Skua, a Swallow and Sand Martin looping around our rooftops, a Chiffchaff and a flock of 9 Bramblings. On arriving at Skaw there was a Whimbrel on the beach, my first 3 House Martins were flying back and forth along the burn but otherwise just the Redwing was seen. Lamba Ness was playing host to a Black-tailed Godwit. A walk around Norwick proved more productive with a Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Buzzard that flew west, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Whimbrel, 50 Meadow Pipits, the Robin, 2 Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest. A look around Haroldswick produced a flock of 9 Pinkfeet, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Redwings, my first Mistle Thrush of the year, 5 Wheatears and 3 Chiffchaffs. Burrafirth proved quiet with just a Pied Wagtail seen. A visit to NorthDale after the rain had cleared through produced another encounter with the Common Buzzard now hovering over Feall, a Song Thrush and a Dunnock.
House Martin at Skaw
Common Buzzard over Norwick
only the second I've seen on Unst
Mistle Thrush at Stove
the latest I've seen in Spring
