Monday 4 October 2021

4th October 2021 Unst SW6 Clear

It remained windier than forecast but we saw the interesting Bluethroat again and obtained much-improved views of the Red-breasted Flycatcher. Then frustration as a large Pipit sp. overflew us at Norwick heading inland but remained silent whilst overhead and although it hovered as it was about to land in an adjacent field suggesting it was a Richard's Pipit, at the last moment, it kept going... Our reward then came as having completed a large circuit around Skaw seeing very little, on our return to the haa we found a super-obliging Olive-backed Pipit creeping around the car park - superb! A walk around Lamba Ness added 14 Snow Buntings. Chris P then relocated the Richard's Pipit at Norwick so we returned and both saw and heard it.

Norwick: 2 Swallows, Richard's Pipit, Robin, Bluethroat, 22 Redwings, 4 Blackcaps, Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warblers, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Siskin, c.100 Chaffinch, c.100 Brambling, Lesser/Mealy Redpoll & Mealy Redpoll.

Skaw: Olive-backed Pipit.

Lamba Ness: 14 Snow Buntings.

Haroldswick: Jack Snipe.

Bluethroat at Valyie


Red-breasted Flycatcher at Valyie

Juvenile Mealy Redpoll at Norwick
not showing very prominent dark centres to its utcs





Olive-backed Pipit at Skaw


Richard's Pipit at Norwick