The ongoing strong southeasterlies have displaced some Swans and Geese and today Unst started to benefit. Adrian gave a head's-up that the 2 Bewick's Swans he'd found in north Yell yesterday had been seeing flying northeast so we decided to tour the island. We drove down to Norwick and saw 4 Swans asleep out on the mires. They appeared to comprise two adult Whoopers, their offspring and interestingly a smaller adult. It eventually awoke and bingo, an adult Bewick's. The first I've found on and in fact seen on Shetland. Whilst subsequently scanning some Geese the four Swans flew past us heading south towards NorthDale. We headed for Burrafirth and whilst watching 2 adult Whoopers and their 2 offspring showing some concern at a nearby Otter we were joined by Robbie. Whilst chatting a flock of 5 European White-fronted Geese overflew and appeared to land on the beach. We made our way there and found them drinking for around 10 minutes from the freshwater burn with another 5 European White-fronted Geese grazing nearby. Another pair then flew-in and commenced drinking too. We headed for Hamar where there were another 6 European White-fronted Geese that flew towards Baltasound. We continued south to Uyeasound where there were 63 Whooper Swans and 18 Mute Swans and 2 Pochard on Easter Loch, a Barnacle Goose at Mailland and another 2 adult Bewick's Swans grazing in a field next to the galley shed.
Norwick: 3 Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Duck, Bewick's Swan, 3 Whooper Swans (1 juv), Robin, Fieldfare & 3 Chaffinch.
Burrafirth: 4 Whooper Swans (2 juv), 12 European White-fronted Geese & 4 Mistle Thrush.
Haroldswick: juv Whooper Swan.
Baltasound: 6 European White-fronted Geese.
Uyeasound: 63 Whooper Swans, 2 Bewick's Swans, 18 Mute Swans, Barnacle Goose, Common Scoter & 2 Pochard.
