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Welcome to Shetland
Focus on Wildlife - October 2007
IT'S STILL AUTUMN!
By 'Shetland Wildlife' guides Rob Fray & Hugh Harrop
Waxwing. Photo: Hugh HarropAs autumn begins to merge to early winter and the nights draw in, one could be forgiven for thinking that bird migration in Shetland is all but over by this time of year. Wrong!
Some of the largest movements of birds ever recorded in the isles have been in late October and early November. As birds escape the onset of the harsh Scandinavian winter and head to warmer climes, easterly winds often drift them westwards to us here in Shetland.
Thrushes are the most noticeable arrivals during this period, and on some occasions the numbers involved have been truly staggering - a million - yes, one million - Fieldfares made landfall after their exhausting North Sea crossing in late October 1987! Even the humble Blackbird can appear in large numbers - an impressive 2000 were present on Fair Isle 1982. Small numbers of other species usually arrive towards the end of October, especially finches. Who can forget the invasion of Bullfinches in October 2004, when it seemed that everybody in Shetland had seen at least one in their garden? Another bird well worth keeping an eye out for Shetland at this time of year is the Waxwing. This pink punk rocker-crested berry muncher usually appears in the isles during late October and early November.
Long-eared Owl Photo: Hugh HarropIf you have berries in the garden there's a good chance you'll see one - if not, try putting rotten apples out - even if no Waxwings appear there are plenty of other species will enjoy the feast.
For those of a more pioneering nature, a visit to some of Shetland's larger plantations in central or north mainland may provide a surprise or two.
One bird you are likely to come across is the Woodcock, a species which, due to its cryptically camouflaged plumage, will see you before you see it and will fly silently away out of the undergrowth. If you are lucky, perhaps you will discover a Long-eared Owl roosting in the plantations.
October 2007 has already been a fantastic month for rarities in Shetland, with such exciting vagrants as Swainson's Thrush and Buff-bellied Pipit from the west, and White's Thrush, Pechora Pipit, Blyth's Pipit and Paddyfield Warbler from the east. The star of the show, however, was probably a gorgeous Red-flanked Bluetail at Scatness, which gave stunning views as it fed in a small garden a matter of feet away from an enthralled gathering of birdwatchers and photographers.
Red-flanked Bluetail. Photo: Hugh HarropThere will probably be one more 'big' bird before the autumn is over, but what it will be and where it has originated from is anybody's guess.
Early November records over the years have included Yellow Warbler from North America, Little Swift and Desert Wheatear from North Africa and Little Bustard and Pine Grosbeak from Europe. Such is the beauty of birding in Shetland - you never know what you might see next - and we hope you are here to enjoy it with us.
Good Luck!
To find out more about birdwatching and wildlife holidays in Shetland visit Shetland Wildlife (www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk). The company has been running birding holidays in Shetland for 15 years and offers week-long fully guided trips to all corners of Mainland Shetland, the North Isles, Whalsay and Out Skerries. As well as offering organised group holidays, Shetland Wildlife also offers a bespoke guide service for individuals and small private groups. The authors of this article welcome contact from visiting birders so feel free to email us (info@shetlandwildlife.co.uk) with any questions or advice you may require.
Advertising Feature
2009 Wildlife Holidays In Shetland
Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland - FACT.
Over a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe, regular sightings of Killer Whales and superb displays of rare sub-arctic flora. Our award-winning holidays offer everything from fully guided wildlife weeks and long weekends, dedicated birdwatching holidays plus photographic, walking and insight holidays.
Visit our extensive website www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk or call Shetland Wildlife on 01950 422483 for a choice of over 30 holidays!
Feature
2008 Photo Competition
VisitShetland are pleased to announce their fourth annual photographic competition, open to local and visiting amateur photographers. The competition seeks entries which capture the imagination and the role that the Shetland landscape plays in our cultural identity.
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Shetland Food Directory
From lamb to seafood, Shetland's produce is considered a benchmark for quality. A new website, The Shetland Food Directory, lists sources of fine Shetland food and drink and some of the wonderful places to eat out in Shetland.
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Buy Shetland Knitwear
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Choose from our wide range of Shetland knitwear including Fair Isle tank tops, cushion covers and bags. Also a range of rugs made with 100% pure Shetland wool.
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Swan Trips 2008
Enjoy a trip on the Swan this summer and experience the world of a resilient vessel restored to glory. Join a crew who love the sea, and be part of a learning experience!
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Treasure Returns to Shetland
Shetland Museum and Archives welcomes St Ninian’s Isle Treasure for three month loan...
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Loganair Revive Norway Connection
Scottish airline Loganair is filling the gap left by Faroese shipping company Smyril Line when it severed Shetland's link with its Norwegian neighbours last year.