15th September 2026 Unst & mainland Shetland N3 Rain

After a quick look around Skaw and Norwick, I had an appointment to attend in Lerwick that gave us a convenient opportunity to see the 1cy American Black Tern at Tingwall Loch. Despite the poor weather, it performed admirably albeit rather distantly for most of the time that we were present. The first that I've seen in the UK since seeing the 'first for Britain' at Weston-Super-Mare in October 1999.

Skaw: Wheatear.

Norwick: 6 juvenile Sanderling, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Tree Sparrow & 3 Common Rosefinch.

Tingwall Loch: 1cy American Black Tern.

1cy American Black Tern at Tingwall Loch

14th September 2026 Unst S4 Overcast

Finding your first Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn always feels like something of a watershed moment...

Norwick: 2 juvenile Sanderling, 1cy Stonechat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff (singing), Willow Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler & 3+ Common Rosefinch.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Norwick

and here's a link to a recording of it calling

Common Rosefinches at Norwick

It was tricky to know exactly how many birds were involved today. I saw 3 together but the total may have been 6 or 7.

13th September 2026 Unst W2 Overcast clearing

Norwick: 7 Sanderling & Common Rosefinch.

1cy Common Rosefinch at Norwick

10th September 2026 Unst S5 Clear

Skaw: 2 Snipe & Chiffchaff.

9th September 2026 Yell NW3 Partly overcast

Gutcher: redhead Goosander.

8th September 2026 Unst SSE3 Clear

Skaw: Snipe, 5 juvenile Sanderling, 3 Wheatear & Willow Warbler.

Norwick: 5 juvenile Sanderling, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff & Pied Flycatcher.

7th September 2026 Unst SW4 Occasional heavy rain

Norwick: Lesser Whitethroat & 1cy Spotted Flycatcher.

Haroldswick: Wigeon & 65 Snipe.

1cy Spotted Flycatcher at Norwick

Interestingly, only six primary tips are visible in forming its primary projection that is a suggested proposed feature of Mediterranean Flycatcher. Could that be age-related? Otherwise it shows characters typical of Spotted including its wingtip falling beyond its pale-tipped retained juvenile uppertail-coverts etc.   

Lesser Whitethroat at Norwick

Meadow Pipit at Norwick