ShetlandEnvironment
Pictures In Shetland => Birds => Topic started by: George on August 24, 2010, 10:06:46 am
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Kittiwake.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Kittiwake_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Kittiwake2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Kittiwake3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Kittiwake4_filtered.jpg)
Raven..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RAVEN-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
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Being on Shetland, I better show some pictures of Puffins..
These were taken this summer..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PUFFIN-12.gif)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PUFFIN-2.gif)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PUFFIN-32.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PUFFIN-4.gif)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PUFFIN-4_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PUFFIN-5_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PUFFIN-8_filtered-1.jpg)
If anyone would like to see a particular bird.. just ASK and if I have one, then i'll show it..
George..
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Kittiwake..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/KITIWAKE-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
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Three from today..
Barred Warbler.. in my garden..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-4-800MM_filtered.jpg)
I think it is a Garden warbler.. Sandgarth..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Gardenwarbler.jpg)
Pied flycatcher.. Sandgarth..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PIED-FLYCATCHER-A_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PIEDFLYCATCHERAA.jpg)
Thats all for now..
george..
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Some recent birds from my garden.. Taken this morning.. I'll need to show them in two posts..
All taken throught the window pane.. I must remember to clean the glass. ;D
First the Blackcap..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BC-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BC-5.jpg)
Barred Warbler..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-5.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-6.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-7.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-8.jpg)
George..
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Barred Warbler..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-9.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-10.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-11.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-12.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-13.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-14.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-15.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-16.jpg)
George..
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In my garden today..
Barred Warbler.. Thanks to Hugh Harrop and David of http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nature_uk/topic/7204910/3/
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-2_filtered.jpg)
Barred Warbler taken in bright conditions.. at a different time today..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-4_filtered.jpg)
george..
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This morning, so far, i've only seen one migrant in the garden, it was a female Blackcap, possibly, one photo to show later.. if its ok..
I'll check the garden from time to time as the day goes on..
Hopefully the Warbler is still around..
george..
UPDATE..
I got stunning photos of the Barred Warbler a short time ago.. [1025]
And a small darkish brown bird darted into the honeysuckle, but did'nt get its photo..
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Todays photos..
Female Blackcap..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BCAP-1_filtered.jpg)
All the rest are the Barred warbler..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-9_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-10_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-11_filtered.jpg)
george..
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stunning pics asusual george you heading out today its a lovely day ;D
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Yes, I will be Tracy, but not sure where to go..
UPDATE.. The Barred Warbler is still frequenting my garden.. I took a few photos of it, about 5 mins. ago, then it flew to my Sycamore tree..
george..
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hope u get some good pics ;D
been stuck in all weekend full of the cold think im gonna have a wee snooze :-\ then hopefully feel better :'(
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Some more birds from yesterday..
Blackcap..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-D_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-C_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-A_filtered.jpg)
Barred Warbler..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-H_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-G_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-F_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-D_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BARRED-WARBLER-A_filtered.jpg)
george..
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You are so lucky to see so many warblers and know what they are too! I like the barred warbler the best. Lovely to see one - never have seen one down here. :o
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Well to be honest Benji.. I got the ID from Hugh Harrop, the wildlife photographer, also Mark, the county recorder helps me also, the Barred warbler really pleased me, as I've never seen one before.. It has been around the village for the last week, the last time I saw it was yesterday morning.. only spotted a male and female Blackcap at Sandgarth today..
I think your own gardens are the best place to watch out for migrants..
I'll be watching tomorrow, as its going to be a day of rain..
george..
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I think i'll try Sumburgh head and the general area for birds today, i'll take my 500mm lens and my didgiscope mainly for far off birds.. fingers crossed I spot any..
george..
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Taken this year on my photography holiday in Argyll.
Male..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/REDSTART-C_filtered.jpg)
Female..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/redstart8_filtered.jpg)
george..
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I got some pix of the merlin today, its ringed, so might be one of Marks ringed birds..
Also got some nice pix of a blackbird in my garden..
I'll show them tomorrow morning, they have been finished in photoshop, and stored in photobucket..
george..
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Blackbird in my garden.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKBIRD-A_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKBIRD-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKBIRD-C_filtered.jpg)
Domesticated Geese at Graven pool.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GEESE-A_filtered.jpg)
Merlin on the power support post. it was quite far off.. [ Firth Hill ]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/MERLIN-C_filtered.jpg)
Note the ring on its right leg..
Then it flew off..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/MERLIN-D_filtered2.jpg)
george..
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Female blackcap in my garden, plus one small brown strange wee bird. it went into the honeysuckle, and did'nt come out..
The strong wind must be bringing them here..
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This storm we're having, brought a visitor to my garden today..
The lovely female blackcap..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-2_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-8_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-9_filtered.jpg)
I wonder what will be next..
george..
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Lots of migrants in my garden this morning..
Goldcrest [no photo]
Male Blackcap.
Warblers.. [possible chiffchaff]
Yellow Browed warbler [possible]
Warbler with yellow patch in wing..
I'll need to wait for an ID on them, when i've done..
Lots happening [on going]
photos, perhaps tonight..
george..
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Seventeen photos, so i'll put them on two threads..
Male blackcap.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/MALE-BLACKCAP-1.jpg)
All the rest are Warblers..
garden warbler
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-1-1.jpg)
reed warbler
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-2-1.jpg)
reed warbler
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-3-1.jpg)
garden warbler
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-4-1.jpg)
reed warbler
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-5-1.jpg)
garden warbler
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-6-1.jpg)
george.
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Reed warblers & Garden warbler..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-7-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-8-1.jpg)
Reed warbler.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-10-1.jpg)
Reed warbler.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-11-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-12-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-13-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-14-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-15-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-16-1.jpg)
george.
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Yellow browed warbler, but not too clear, as it was in the canopy of my Sycamore tree..
1. Back.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PALLASWARBLER.jpg)
2. Goldcrest..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PALLASWARBLERA.jpg)
george..
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A few Widgeon at Trondavoe loch..
Goldcrest
In my garden..
Blackcap
george..
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In my garden this morning..
Wren.
Goldcrest.
Blackcap.
So far i've only managed to snap the Wren..
george
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Todays birds.. First the locals..
Blackbird.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKBIRD-A.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKBIRD-B.jpg)
Wren.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WREN-A.jpg)
Blackcap [male]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-B.jpg)
Garden warbler.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-A.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-B.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-C.jpg)
The warbler was very difficult to snap, they are so fast..
george..
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Goldfinch, to fast for a pix..
Warbler, probably the same one as yesterdays..
Superb photos of a male Blackcap, only about 10 feet from me..
I've stopped to make a breakfast, I will have another look after I eat.. i'm hank marvin. [starving]
photos later..
george..
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Blackcap..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-3_filtered3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-4_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-5_filtered-1.jpg)
Blackcap caught an earwig..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-6_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-7_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-8_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-9_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-10_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-11_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-12_filtered.jpg)
It pays to check your garden..
george..
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I'll have to add a Redpole, and the redish brown warbler to the list, for todays birds..
george..
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So far this morning..
Blackcap.
Warbler [possibly garden] photos tonight..
The redpole from two days ago, if it turns out reasonable, then i'll show its pix..
Heron taking flight at Garths voe yesterday..
george..
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blackcap
garden warbler All in my garden..
sparrows
starlings
lapland buntings [seven] outskirts of voe
golden plover [flock]
hoodie crows
rock pipit [toft]
rock dove .[toft]
curlew [toft]
shag [toft]
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Garden warbler, in my garden..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GARDEN-WARBLER-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GARDEN-WARBLER-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GARDEN-WARBLER-3.jpg)
Golden plover, at Maidenfield..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDEN-PLOVER-2.jpg)
Heron at Garths voe..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/HERON-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/HERON-2.jpg)
george..
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Lapland bunting..
1.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/LAPLAND-5_filtered.jpg)
2.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/LAPLAND-6_filtered.jpg)
3. Skylark..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SKY-LARK-1_filtered.jpg)
4.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SKY-LARK-4_filtered.jpg)
5.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SKY-LARK-5_filtered.jpg)
6. Meadow pipit..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/MEADOW-PIPIT-1_filtered-1.jpg)
7.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/MEADOW-PIPIT-2_filtered.jpg)
george..
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So far today..
Robin.
Blackbird.
Then I thought of the Goldcrest I saw a few days ago..
Just then I caught a movement in the honeysuckle..
It was the Goldcrest.. I have one passible photo of it, which i'll show later..
I also took photos of the Blackbird, but none of the Robin, it was to fast for me..
george..
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Nightjar at Sandgarth. thanks Tony for the tip off..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/NIGHTJAR-3_.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/NIGHTJAR-4_.jpg)
Front view of a very unusual bird..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/NIGHTJAR-6_.jpg)
george..
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17 photos, so i will split them in two threads.
Yellow browed warbler. 3 photos.
1.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/YELLOW-BROWED-WARBLER-A_.jpg)
2.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/YELLOW-BROWED-WARBLER-B_.jpg)
3.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/YELLOW-BROWED-WARBLER-C_.jpg)
goldcrest.. [ Europes smallest bird ]
4.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-O_.jpg)
5.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-N_.jpg)
6.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-M_.jpg)
7.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-L_.jpg)
8.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-K_.jpg)
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9.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-J_.jpg)
10.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-I_.jpg)
11.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-H_.jpg)
12.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-G_.jpg)
13.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-D_.jpg)
14.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-C_.jpg)
15.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GOLDCREST-A_.jpg)
All taken at Sandgarth.. no sign of the Nightjar, but that does not mean its not there..
george..
-
Lapland bunting..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/LAPLAND-BUNTING-A_.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/LAPLAND-BUNTING-B_.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/LAPLAND-BUNTING-C_.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/LAPLAND-BUNTING-D_.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/LAPLAND-BUNTING-E_.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/LAPLAND-BUNTING-F_.jpg)
Skylark..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SKY-LARK-A_.jpg)
Blackcap [sandgarth]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-D_.jpg)
Home.. [blackbird]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKBIRD-B_.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKBIRD-A_.jpg)
george..
-
Hello George,
Really enjoying looking at your bird photographs. Became interested when we lived in Fair Isle for a couple of years. We lived in the Old Hall which had a bird trap at the back. We used to catch birds before we went to school and put them in a bag until the 'birdman' came to pick them up and ring them. I was only 7 at the time. My daughter is very jealous when I tell her about catching the birds but to us it was just a normal morning. Great days.
Shire.
-
Thats very interesting, I was just reading a post by shetlandwild, on twitter..
Another great day: Dave and group on Fair Isle had the Olive-backed Pipit again, and a Barred Warbler on the window ledge of the guest house! This was at the old haa.. They maintain they serve the best meals on Fair Isle.. its a small world.. ;D
My friends the Gerrards, tony & beth, were out there a couple of weeks ago.. they love it..
george..
-
I was a wee bit disappointed at Sandgarth yesterday, the birds were a little camera shy ::)
But I did see a few blackcaps, goldcrest and a robin..
I got one photo of the goldcrest, but it was deep in the pine-tree, so i will not show it, the blackcaps would'nt stay still long enough for me to get a photo, but the robin did, albiet a bit far away.. here he is, about 100 feet from me..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/ROBIN-A_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I took these yesterday at the s/ mainland,
1.
Sparrow.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SPARROW-1-1.jpg)
2.
Ringed plover at Virkie pool.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RINGED-PLOVER-1.jpg)
3.
Pigeons at the north end of Spiggie loch..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/PIGEONS-1.jpg)
george..
-
One warbler at sandgarth..
One warbler at toft beach [ possible to show photos later ]
One waxwing in my sons garden. [ no photo ]
rock pipit toft beach..
george
-
This wee warbler was feeding at Toft beach, mainly on the rotten seaweed, i guess it was full of insects.. But as some people know, i'm not too good with warblers, so i need an ID for this bird..
This is the habitat that it was feeding on..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-G_filtered.jpg)
On the rock..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-F_filtered.jpg)
Three pix on the wire, I know they arn't very good pix, but it was quite far off..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-D_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-C_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER-A_filtered.jpg)
If you think you recognise it, then please tell me..
george..
-
Hello George,
I wondered if this link might help.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/families/warblers.aspx
Cheers,
Anne.
-
Thanks Anne.. i've book marked the website you gave..
george..
-
11.oo am. An Arctic redpoll was in my garden this morning, followed by a flock of about 20 Waxwings, photo of the Redpoll later..
george..
-
More pix of the Arctic redpoll, it very nearly flew into my window, its the most beautiful bird..
george..
-
Took this wee guy late morning..
http://s827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Videos%201/?action=view¤t=20080110165238.mp4
photos later.
george..
-
Today was quite exciting for me, first I saw a flock of waxwings, about 20 , then a Coue's Arctic redpoll from Scandinavia came in to my garden, its really a most beautiful bird, it came back a few times.. here are the pix of the redpoll..
1.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Arctic-redpoll-B_filtered.jpg)
2.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Arctic-redpoll-C_filtered.jpg)
3.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Arctic-redpoll-D_filtered.jpg)
4.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Arctic-redpoll-E_filtered.jpg)
5.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Arctic-redpoll-F_filtered.jpg)
6.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Arctic-redpoll-H_filtered.jpg)
7.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Arctic-redpoll-I_filtered.jpg)
8.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Arctic-redpoll-J_filtered.jpg)
9. this photo shows the white rump..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Arctic-redpoll-K_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I went out today looking for waxwings, I searched Toft [warbler there] Brae, then Voe, then Sandgarth [warbler at Sandgarth] I gave up and went home..
Got home and found the Waxwings were waiting for me.. I took 185 pictures and a video of one..
Here are some of the pix. two threads..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-16_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-15_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-14_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-13_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-12_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-11_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-10_filtered.jpg)
More to come..
-
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-9_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-8_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-1_filtered.jpg)
They are the most photogenic birds, and you can get very close to them, if you don't make any sudden moves..
george..
-
Hi George,
Your bird photos are fantastic. Even in our garden with mature trees at the back we rarely see these birds. It could be because there are so many cats in the back gardens including my two. So keep the photos coming, they've got the feel-good factor.
Cheers,
Anne.
-
Thanks Anne.. I have a cat on either side of my house as well..
I had a wren and the Coue's Artic redpoll, and the usual sparrows, blackbirds, & starlings as well..
I'll post the Siberian Chiffchaff at Toft beach tomorrow, two of them have been hanging around that spot for three days now.. I got its ID tonight from Mike Pennington..
george..
-
This is the Siberian Chiffchaff, I first found it a few days ago, but it [and another one] was still at the same location at Toft, I got its ID verified last night..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER--1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER--11_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WARBLER--7_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
This mornings Waxwings..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-A_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-C_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-D_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-E_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-F_filtered.jpg)
This one was soaking wet..
george..
-
I was out with the saw and cut a few branches off my sycamore tree, I was going to make a perch for the birds..
While I was working, the sparrows and starlings were feeding at my back..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/NEW-PERCH-1.jpg)
From inside my house..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/NEW-PERCH-2.jpg)
Starlings on my sperm whale bone..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/STARLINGS-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/STARLINGS-2_filtered.jpg)
Then the waxwing came..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-CFIL.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-BFIL.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-AFIL.jpg)
There were two of them that i saw..
george..
-
Although I do love the waxwings, I am rather taken by the little redpoll too! What a sweet little bird - and so distinctive. :)
-
Yes Benji. it is a beautiful bird, the Redpoll, I have only seen two in my garden, they are ground feeding birds, thats what prompted me to make the simple perch and scattered the bird seeds along the slabs, so hopefully it might bring along some other ground feeding birds, although the sparrows & starlings love it as well..
george..
-
Soon they will run out of berries these Waxwings, keep getting them everyday for the last ten days.. not that i'm complaining ;D I have seen four in my garden today, but probably lots more, as i don't spend all of my time at the window.. one landed on my new natural bird perch, six feet away from my camera, but before i snapped it, it flew to the honeysuckle bushes.. there I got it..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-3_filtered.jpg)
And this one showing its lovely wing feathers..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-12_filtered.jpg)
Then, of course we have the regulars.. The sparrow..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SPARROW-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SPARROW-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SPARROW-4_filtered.jpg)
Thats all for now..
george..
-
I thought the migration of the Waxwings was over, but one came to my garden late afternoon..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-HH_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-FF_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAX-D.jpg)
Then the rain came on, very heavy rain, and the poor wee bird got soaked..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-AA_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I was quite happy with my new Manfrotto monopod, I tried it out on a waxwing I spotted near Voe, when I was going home from Lerwick..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-10_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-9_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-8_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-4_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WAXWING-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
The blackcap in my garden loves the apple slices.. so does the starlings..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-3_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-10_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-5_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-9_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACKCAP-4_filtered-2.jpg)
House sparrow.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SPARROW-1_filtered-1.jpg)
Starling..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/STARLING-1_filtered-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/STARLING-2_filtered-4.jpg)
george..
-
Two bullfinches were found in Scalloway yesterday..
Pictures by Anne Macdonald..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Anne-Macdonald-bullfinch_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Annes-bullfinch-a_filtered.jpg)
Thanks Anne for finding these stunning birds..
george..
-
Very nice George. I don't know how to enhance photos like that.
Cheers, Anne.
-
Anne. I'll need to show you photoshop, next time i'm in Scalloway..
I was out wae the camera yesterday, and got these..
Shag..
1.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SHAG-4_filtered-1.jpg)
2.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SHAG-2_filtered-2.jpg)
Rock pipit.
1.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/ROCK-PIPIT-1_filtered.jpg)
2.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/ROCK-PIPIT-2_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
One of the two buzzards was seen at Toft, just after 1200..
george..
-
Just an update, I got a call from Mark the county recorder, he told me a buzzard was seen at the south end of the island, and one seen on the westside, plus the one at Toft so it must be different birds..
And the bird pellet I found at Valayre was an Owls pellet.. so might be an Owl hanging around the conifers at Voxter..
george..
-
Ohhh! I've never seen a rough legged buzzard. :o
-
I've never seen one either Lynne. although i was close to seeing one yesterday. they are relatively rare in shetland, not much chance of spotting one today, with this horrible weather..
george..
-
In the middle o a blizzard, I did'nt expect to see a bullfinch, but their it wiz, sitting on da hedge, the light wiz terrible, thank god fur photoshop.. lol ..
The conditions today..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/WINTER-1.jpg)
The bullfinch..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-9_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-1_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-2_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I was glad the bullfinch was still favoring my garden today.. I slowly opened my window, ah good, it did'nt seemed scared o me.. it was feeding on what was left o my honeysuckle, it got as close as 7 feet from me.. here it is..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-23_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-22_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-21_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-20_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-19_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-18_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-15_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BULLFINCH-13_filtered.jpg)
I did take over 200 pics of it..
george..
-
Stunning little birdie! I see he was eating all the buds. I've had them in the orchard eating the apple blossom buds in the past! :D
-
Its such a stunning bird Lynne, I'm sure that i've had one in the garden years ago.. its colours against the snaa [ snow ] sets it out really well..
george..
-
The bullfinch is still in mossbank village.. took more pics, a short while ago..
george..
-
Pictures taken at 12 noon..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/bullfinch-d_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/bullfinch-f_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I was talking to the county recorder [ Mark ] yesterday.. he told me that he seen a Sparrow Hawk at Voxter, it was flying towards the conifers up from Voxter house..
And no sightings of the Rough legged Buzzards were reported..
And no sign of the Scandinavian [northern Bullfinch] yet. I'll look for it later..
george..
-
its back, probably never left.. going tomorrow to see if i can get better pics.. Mark is going as well, possibly Hugh might go as well..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBUZZARD-10_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I think i'll look for road killed rabbits for baiting the track up in Toft, if I get one or two for da Buzzard to feed, I know it was feeding on two dead rabbits behind a croft a few days ago. so hopefully i'll find one for bait..
george..
-
R. L. Buzzard..
Medium sized, broad winged raptor. They frequently soar high up using rising warm air [ not today, it was freezing ] hover or sit motionless watching for prey which is taken on the ground..
Todays sighting was witnessed by three birders including me.. the other three birders missed it..
It was soaring and hovering not too far off from us. Then it moved northwards, unfortunatly, the only photos I got, were through the windscreen, of course they were terrible..
Then the rain reached us, and rain stopped play..
They all left, but I remained for another half an hour, but did'nt spot it..
I'll try another day when the weather is a bit better..
I know where to find it now, it seems to favor the high moor near Toft..
Then sits on the fence post when not hunting..
george..
-
Good luck with the Buzzard spotting George.
-
Thank you Aitch..
I spotted it this morning, got two pics, but it was far off.. then Hugh Harrop, the wildlife photograher arrived..
But the buzzard kept its distance, I then went home for a bit of food, when the phone rang, it was a friend reporting it, just over the field from his house, it was getting mobbed by gulls, so I gave him Hughs mobile number [I don't get a signal at my house] and Hugh went to his location, I finished my meal and met up with Hugh, he said they got views of it, but no pics. he also saw a short eared owl near the same location..
I told Hugh, a red kite was spotted at the south end of the island, and another raptor was spotted south again, it was larger, so it might have been another R.L.buzzard..
I'll try again tomorrow, its ment to be a better day [weather wise]
george..
-
Thanks for all your help today George - much appreciated by both Russ and I.
May see you again tomorrow.
Hopefully this fantastic bird will hang around for a few more weeks yet.
Best wishes
Hugh
-
I'm sure it will Hugh.. its been about there for a week, problem is, nowhere to hide to watch it, apart from the car..
I'll be there the back of nine.. light should be getting better by that time..
what we need is road killed rabbits to bait the track..
george..
-
Todays birdwatching..
It started fine, I found a dead rabbit at the junction of the track leading up to the moor.. almost as if it had been left for me ? I preceded up the track, and unloaded my gear..
I followed a fence till it ended at a sheep pen..
I used my kagoul to make a tempory bird hide, it was quite difficult to erect, as it was quite windy on the hillside..
I then put the rabbit about 100 feet from my hide, I pegged it down with two tent pegs..
After that, I phoned Hugh and explained what I had done..
Then the wind really strenghened, followed by heavy rain..
Hugh arrived and we came to an agreed plan to contact each other by mobile, if either spotted the R.L.buzzard..
After a couple o hours with no sightings, Hugh left for Lerwick, I sat in the hide for a bit longer, then gave up..
I waited for the rain to go past, eventually it did, I then stripped the hide, and made my way back to the car, there i met another birder, he told me that the buzzard was at my back..
And sure it was, flying ower the hill.. I phoned Hugh again and told him, he turned back and arrived a short time later.. but by this time the buzzard had travelled about a half mile, and had landed on the moor..
So I made my way home, I was starving [ no breakfast ]
I left the rabbit where it was, no rapture or raven would lift it, I had secured it firmly with long tent pegs.
So i'll try again tomorrow..
george..
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George
Left a message on your mobile - had the Rough legged perched on fence posts and viewed from the Brough road near John Laurensons. house. It headed back in to the hill and drifted west. Distant but nice views through the 'scope. This was around 1.45pm.
Cheers
Hugh
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Thanks Hugh.. I did'nt go back as light was not good, i'll try again tomorrow, hopefully it will find the rabbit I pegged.. I hope you got a good pic of it on the fence, if John sees it he will phone me..
george..
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The rough legged buzzard was still at Toft up until about 12 noon.
It then flew to Bigga isle and landed on the ground..
We watched it with binos..
I'll look for it tomorrow in case it flys back to its normal location..
We got a few pics, but it was backlit by the sky..
The picture below. I put a hide where these fence posts are, unfortunatly I set it up yesterday.. lol ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BUZZARD-10_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BUZZARD-9_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BUZZARD-8_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BUZZARD-4_filtered.jpg)
And this rabbit had a amazing near miss, the buzzard flew over it, only about 4 feet from it..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RABBIT-1_filtered.jpg)
We also watched a merlin fly past, and a fieldfare was down the track..
george..
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Update on the extraordinary Rough Legged Buzzard..
It was still at Toft up the Brough Rd.
It seems to favour the pasture land where it meets the moor..
It was'nt hovering today, but kept low to the ground, it upset a flock of Curlews, and their cries gave its location away.. It would be seen to be hunting in a large circle, as it was seen near the radar mast, then the pasture..
I found a really good spot to watch for it, its an old ruined croft house in the middle of the pasture..
This ruin is just past the second house on the left side of Brough Rd.
If anyone who is interested to see it, I think the best time would be about 12 noon..
that seems to be the best time to spot it, as, over the last few days we have seen it at between 12 & 1pm.
I'm going again tomorrow, but i'll go earlier than that, to get to the ruin before it turns up..
Three birders came this morning, but they only waited about threequarters of an hour.. You need patience to see such a beautiful bird.. I spent over 4 hours at the location.. freezing cold with lots of sleet showers, just hope its milder tomorrow..
george..
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I was looking at my bird pics, from last summer, and thought I would show three pics of the Osprey at Lochaweside..
After looking at them, it kind'a makes me think of booking a chalet in Argyll again this summer, its such a beautiful place..
Osprey.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/OSPREY-AA_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/OSPREY-O_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/OSPREY-DD_filtered.jpg)
Mm, on the other hand, I would miss the Merlins in Shetland. this one was feeding on a Wheatear on the top of a fence post.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/MERLIN-G.jpg)
george..
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The rough legged buzzard is still at Toft..
The first pic. is taken from the cattle grid, take it from me, the buzzard is in this pic.
It was on its favorite roosting post .. about a quarter mile past the grid..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RL-BUZZARD-C_filtered.jpg)
This is it heavily cropped to show its still there..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RL-BUZZARD-B_filtered.jpg)
I was walking back to my car, after watching for it for three hours, without a sighting, when I met Roger, he told me that he had'nt seen it either.
I told him that Mark had seen it earlier, that it was sitting on its favorite roost, then it flew west..
I said to Roger that it might have caught a rabbit, then went back to its roost. he checked it out with his scope and said, your right, its there..
So I took very long distance photos with my modest 400mm lens.. and you can see them above, very poor pics, because of the distance involved.. but I thought I would show them for your benefit..
I'll not bother submitting it to the Shetland bird club. instead i'll inform them that its still there..
george..
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Despite seven pairs of eyes looking for it.. It did'nt show, that means, its now left, or it was resting somewhere else.. I'll look again tomorrow .. I still have a gut feeling that it is still about..
I took a short interval and went to Toft pier, and found this Shag on the rocks drying out..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SHAG-4_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SHAG-3_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SHAG-2_filtered-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/SHAG-1_filtered-1.jpg)
george..
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I'm going shortly to check if the rough legged buzzard is still around..
If I spot it, i'll inform those of you by mobile, who are interested in it..
But first i'll make a flask of coffee..
george..
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The rough legged buzzard is still at Toft, Julie got two amazing pics of it with her point & shoot, I think she is going to submit them to the shetland bird club, if she does, i'll put a link tomorrow, and you can look at it then..
The last sighting was of it at the radar mast, being chased by two ravens, it landed on Bigga Isle.. note.. that was where it was, it flew over the sound, then landed on the moor, thats where Julie got her first pic..
I unfortunatly was at the wrong location, Hugh phoned and told me that Julie had got it..
Twelve snow buntings were at the old Toft camp but the peregrine falcon was gone.. I took this pic. of greylag geese..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/GREYLAG-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
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This is the link to Shetland bird club..
please click here (http://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/naturelatest/latestbirds.htm)
george..
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This is a link to hughs website for beautiful pictures and much more.
click here (http://hughharropwildlifephotography.blogspot.com/)
george.
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I'm setting off very shortly for Toft..
I'll be at the last ruin [on the banks] on the Brough rd. there i'll set up my tripod & camera. I'll take my video camera as well..
The R.L.Buzzard seems to travel between Bigga Isle and Toft, so with a bit o luck.. lol ..
george..
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I spent five hours waiting for the beautiful bird. Well the first four hours..
Then I spotted it. It was on its favourit roosting post.. first it was'nt there, then it appeared, great news, I thought to myself, well it was worth the wait..
Although its roost is about at least a quarter mile away, I watched it with my scope..
Then I thought, why not risk a few pics with my humble 400mm lens.. so I did.. eighty two pics to be exact.. I kept ten of them..
In one of the pics, you'll see a small car, there were two birders in it, unfortunatly they did'nt see it, then later, when I told them the Buzzard was at your back, they were gutted..
I left them at the lower cattle grid.. so I hope they see this extraordinary bird..
Now.. the pics.. bearing in mind, they were a quarter mile away..
Flying off the roost.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-3_filtered.jpg)
Flying off the roost..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-4_filtered-1.jpg)
The roosting post..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-5_filtered.jpg)
This one is the car under the Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-9_filtered-1.jpg)
Hovering..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-8_filtered-1.jpg)
I'll be back again tomorrow, I hope I spot it, I'll phone Hugh, if I do..
george..
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It is a truely magnificent bird, it was on the ground when i seen it, then it flapped its 5 foot wings and soared over the fence.. I then got a good look at its upper back, it was black & white plumage almost like a juvenile golden eagle. looking forward to night-time to dream about what I saw. lol .. unfortunatly it was about a mile from me, so no photos this time.
It did'nt go near its favourite fence post, it was more norther'ly than usual, and its upper plumage showed black & white instead of the brown plumage in my last pics. but maybe it was the light conditions, I could see the yellow at the top of its beak and its whitish head, it walked about a metre before it flew off..
george..
PS. I should have told you, I was watching it with my scope..
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Brilliant! Such dedication to bird watching there George! But keep warm won't you. ;)
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I do my best to keep warm Lynne, but after many hours, the cold creeps up on you..
Todays birdwatching..
Well first, it was a miserable day, with many rain showers..
I scanned to the north with my binoculars, but did'nt see the buzzard at all..
then I went up to the cattle grid, and had a good look there. still no sign of it..
So, I had my breakfast [a mars bar and a wee drink o vimto] thats why i'm so thin.. lol ..
Then I decided to open the gate at the cattle grid, got in my car and very slowly drove along the track..
I had only travelled about 200 hundred feet, when the Rough legged rose from the heather on the left hand side of the track.. drifted across the track, and started to hover.. I grabbed my camera and tried to get some close-up shots of it.. but the camera was'nt on auto-focus.. drat ..
But it did land on a fence post further along the track, it posed quite nicely for me, then it flew north and crossed to the west side of the track, thats when I lost sight of it..
So I travelled further on the track, then did a t.point turn.. and started to travel back along the track, suddenly, I spotted it again, it was on a fence post, then it flew north, and landed on the moor..
I phoned my mate Mark to report it to him, and told him what i've just told you, all the time I was on the mobile to Mark, but I was still watching the buzzard, then it took to its wings again, and was suddenly mobbed by a raven, see one o the photos..
Then it disappeared northward..
This is five of the 42 pics I took..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-b_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-c_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-d_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-e_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-g_filtered.jpg)
So despite the rain, it turned out to be an exciting day for me.. First a flock of Snow buntings, then the Rough Legged Buzzard..
George..
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The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft today..
I first seen it at 1207pm. it was being mobbed by four ravens, it then drifted down to the furthest ruin past John Laurensons house, it sat on the ruin for about five minutes, then it flew to the next ruin, then perched on the top of the gable end..
Jim & Roger then left me to go onto the Brough rd.. I stayed at the radar mast and watched it for ages..
Then the mist closed in on me, so I made my way to meet with Jim & Roger..
They told me where it was. on the fence beyond Johns house, they watched it kill a rabbit and had part eaten it, then the ravens arrived..
Jim showed me one of his images, it was stunning, so it will probably go into the Shetland times this week.. I'm so glad he got his photos, as, its a long drive from Cunningsburgh to here.. in north Delting..
So, well done Jim..
One of Jims stunning images click here (http://tinyurl.com/yhd6hu8)
george..
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I went to the ruins past the last house, set up my tripod with camera mounted, then attached my camo. kagoul to the auld wall..
Then it started to rain, and it was a very chilly wind..
Then my attention was raised by ravens up on the moor, they were mobbing the buzzard..
I watched them for a while, hopeing it would fly closer to me, but it did'nt, it settled down on the moor..
Then a car pulled in, I thought it must be birders, but it was'nt, it was two tourists who were up to see up helly aa..
Then the crofter arrived with his trailer, unloaded his quad bike, loaded up a small trailer with fence posts and his two dogs who were quite boisterous..
The tourists moved their car to let him by, and promptly bogged the car in the mud..
Because of all the noise and people moving about, I knew I had no chance of the buzzard getting close to me..
So I put my gear together, and made my way back to my car..
The following pics were taken a long way off..
For the people that know the area, I was at the ruins on brough rd. the buzzard was beyond the track to the radar mast..
Images..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-3_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
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I was going out to my car this morning, and the first bird i saw was a Sparrowhawk flying overhead..
Then I drove to Toft, it was such a nice day, but nippy..
When I got there [at the auld ruins] I set up my camera & tripod..
I scanned the hills looking for the R.L.Buzzard, but no sign of it anywhere..
Later..
I spotted it, it was sitting on a large rock, it was a magical sight..
Then Jim & Roger showed up, I asked if they had seen it, they had'nt seen it..
So I showed it to them, roger got his scope out, we all had a good look at it, it was sitting upright on the rock..
Jim had a road killed rabbit with him for bait, but as he was going to place it in the field, it flew north..
We scanned the hills for it, but it did'nt show itself..
I then went looking for Otters, but did'nt see any, so I went home..
george..
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Hello George, it is good to read your reports on your outings and the Rough Legged Buzzard seems to be giving you plenty to think about, enjoy it mate.
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Thanks Aitch.. I have been watching it nearly every day since it was reported, never getting close enough for a good sharp photo...
Well today was the first day i've not spotted it..
I met with Mark the county recorder, but he said he did'nt see it either, so Mark stayed by the cattle grid, and I made my way to the radar mast..
I did'nt really expected to see it, as Mark had told me that a van with workmen had just been at the mast, they were there for maintenance on the radar..
But I did wait about an hour with no sightings..
The Sparrowhawk i spotted yesterday was photographed by Jim Nicolson its a amazing picture. You can see it here (http://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/naturelatest/latestbirds.htm)
All I got today was a couple of Greylag geese..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Greylag-1_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Greylag-2_filtered.jpg)
George..
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Talking of Grey-lag Geese George, your photos posted today and the ones from January 21st are brilliant, a study in wing movement, well done.
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Thanks Aitch..
I was wondering if you still go out birdwatching, I think you said to me a while ago, that you don't go out angling as often as you did.. and was wondering if its the same with birdwatching.. I go out nearly every day, I love it..
Keep well Aitch.. I know we are getting auld, but birdwatching keeps me young.. lol ..
regards... george ..
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Hi' gain George, yes I did pack up fishing, the waters I was fishing are packed to overflowing with fish and it was too easy to catch, not enough challenge to it, although I fear they may have suffered with the intense cold we had late last year.
The angling forums I read have been reporting high volumes of fish deaths and some trapped in solid ice.
Birdwatching has gone for a Burton also, where I live is too far away for very good birdwatching opportunities and the price of petrol is a big problem as well as the crowded roads.
Having said that,
what good places there are around this neck of the woods are very risky to park your car for fear of them being broken into and vandalised.
I made the decision last Autumn to pack up and start to learn myself Watercolour and Acrylic painting.
I set about tarting up the garage, ie: put down a carpet, improving the general feel of it, improved the lighting and heating and made a start.
Then we decided we needed a downstairs toilet so arranged for a ground level extension to be built to provide a cloak room and toilet.
I gave them half of the garage to store their tools and equipment but they gradually took over most of it and this was made worse by the delay caused by the severe weather.
Coincidentally they finished today and I have the garage to myself again although I have to have a major clean up starting tomorrow.
So when and if you are out in the morning give me a thought as I begin to reclaim my work place
:'( :'( :'( :'(
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PS, Maybe it would have been a lot cheaper and convenient to have had a "Stanner" installed ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
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Thanks for the reply Aitch..
Well up in Shetland we don't have a problem with car break ins, and as you know the roads are relatively clear, as your been up here on holiday, off the beaten track you seldom see a car..
But the price o fuel is getting ridiculous, I think a litre o diesel up here is £1.45.9 ..
That is the reason I did'nt go looking for the American Widgeon at Gossa water [easter skeld] I did'nt fancy going all the way to Gossa, for it to be gone..
So I spent a couple o hours looking for the R.L.Buzzard, which is much closer to my village.
But did'nt see it at all, It might have roosted up somewhere after a good feed the day before..
See thee later Aitch..
george..
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I spent three hours looking for the R.L.Buzzard, I knew it was still at Toft, as I met a guy, and he told me that he had seen it..
So, I set up my gear at the auld croft and waited & waited.. I thought It might have gone, so I started to make up my gear when I heard a crow caawing, and sure as sure can be, it had appeared at last, it was perched on a power pole along the track to the radar mast..
The pictures are the same distance as the ones I took two days ago..
But one picture shows a similar bird to the Buzzard.. now my eyesight is not as sharp as it used to be..
So I need a second opinion, in the pic. from left to right.. R.L.Buzzard hoodie crow and mystery bird..
Images..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-1_filtered.jpg)
from left to right.. R.L.Buzzard hoodie crow and mystery bird..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-5_filtered.jpg)
Perhaps if you see this Hugh, you could give an opinion..
If its what I think it is, then we have Two R.L.Buzzards at Toft..
george..
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The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft..
It was seen at 0900 this morning by John Laurenson..
It was perched on the gable end of the ruined croft house, then it drifted west..
I spent two and half hours looking for it, but no sightings..
I got a couple of pics of a rock pipit. whilst looking for otters..
Rock pipit..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Rock-pipit-1_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Rock-pipit-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Rock-pipit-4_filtered.jpg)
For the otter, look in the Animal section..
george..
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I had to give the R.L.Buzzard a miss today, as I had to go to Lerwick..
But yesterday it was so cold wa the wind, I was going to the lee o the wind behind the auld ruin, but John Laurenson suggested a better place to watch oot for it.. it was in his attic, by the skylight, so I set up my tripod and camera, took a seat.. and waited.. but it did'nt show..
So today..
I knew a Snow goose was at the outskirts o Lerwick, so I made a phone call, and got its location, the location was from the day before, so it was auld information..
I went looking for it, but no sightings..
Next I attended to my business in the toon.. That done, I decided to check oot the Loch in Lerwick, there I found a Coot, Goldeneye and Tufted duck..
Then I looked at Asta Loch for the Smew, but by this time the rain and high wind was making things difficult for me, so..
I headed back home..
Coot..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Coot-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Coot-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Coot-1_filtered.jpg)
Goldeneye..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Goldeneye-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
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lovely pics george i like the last 1 best
you cant beat a nice cosy attic to sit in that was very nice of him and good to know you were birdwatching in the warm instead of sitting out in the freezing cold ;D roll on the summer months :D
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No sign of the Rough Legged Buzzard today, i'll look again on the fourth as I can't leave the house tomorrow..
george..
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George
Not sure what that other bird is = maybe post a high res of it?
Stay warm!
Hugh
The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft..
It was seen at 0900 this morning by John Laurenson..
It was perched on the gable end of the ruined croft house, then it drifted west..
I spent two and half hours looking for it, but no sightings..
I got a couple of pics of a rock pipit. whilst looking for otters..
Rock pipit..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Rock-pipit-1_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Rock-pipit-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Rock-pipit-4_filtered.jpg)
For the otter, look in the Animal section..
george..
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Hugh, i'm staying in today, waiting for a guy to come and measure my house for insulation..
I will be out tomorrow birdwatching, and maybe an Otter. I did miss the Snow goose at Gremista.. but got a Coot at Clickamin..
The mystery bird at Toft, I did'nt realise it was there until I uploaded my pictures. Mike Pennington does'nt think its identefiable by the pic. but three others think its a Buzzard..
george
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I got this wee guy this morning.
Ringed plover.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Ringed-Plover-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Ringed-Plover-2_filtered.jpg)
I had a quick look for the Buzzard, but did'nt see it..
george..
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Some o the birds i got today.
Turnstone.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Turnstone-1.jpg)
Greylag.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/greylag-1.jpg)
Mallard.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Mallard-3.jpg)
Shag.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Shag-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Shag-1.jpg)
Rock pipit..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Rock-pipit-2.jpg)
george.
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The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft..
Merlin seen at Mossbank.
Bullfinch is at Brae.
And an Otter was seen at the first ruin on your right at Brough rd..
Shag.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Shag-a_filtered.jpg)
Rockdove.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Rockdove-a_filtered.jpg)
Red breasted merganser.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Red-breasted-merganser-a_filtered.jpg)
Curlew.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Curlew-b_filtered.jpg)
Where the buzzard was spotted.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Sea%20things/Yell-sound-a_filtered.jpg)
Yell sound.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Sea%20things/Yell-sound-b_filtered.jpg)
And last, the ferry passing by my village..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Sea%20things/Village-a_filtered.jpg)
george.
-
Went to Lerwick and got these..
Coot at Clickimin.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Coot-2_filtered-1.jpg)
Goldeneye at Clickimin.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Goldeneye-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Goldeneye-3_filtered.jpg)
Goosander at Strand.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Goosanader-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Goosanader-3_filtered.jpg)
Shag at Shetland catch.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Shag-1_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Shag-2_filtered-4.jpg)
Whooper at Clickimin.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Whooper-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft.
It was on its roost, [ gate ] then it flew west over the ridge.. I spent one and a half hours, then gave in, it was cold and the wind was getting stronger, and the rain was getting heavier..
george..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still near Toft..
I spent two hours looking for it, then I changed my location to Toft camp..
Then I spotted it, it was north in a different valley where its normally seen, as you look north, it was on the heather behind the top fence on the right hand side of the hill, I first found it using my binoculars, but it was so far off probably about threequarters of a mile, so I used my spotting scope, I reported its location by mobile to the county recorder.
I watched it for over half an hour, then left..
I then went to the banks and took these of a Red Breasted Merganser..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RBMerganser-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RBMerganser-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RBMerganser-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RBMerganser-1.jpg)
george.
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft..
It was very active from 1100am this morning, busy hunting rabbits..
Then it got into an argument wa a Raven. and flew west over the range of hills into the next valley..
Most of the time, it was very low, I did'nt see it hover once. Then it would soar up and stay in the same spot without hovering..
My pics were taken about 4 or 5 hundred feet from it, so not the best o photos, I'll show six..
Buzzard on the left, Raven on the right.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-1_filtered-1.jpg)
The rest was it skimming the fence..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-2_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-3_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-4_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-5_filtered-1.jpg)
Last.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-7_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I went out this morning to search for the R.L.Buzzard.. but no sign of it.
I'm not surprized I could'nt find it, because the weather was so bad, with very high winds and driving rain.. it was probably grounded by the weather..
So i went to find the Mergansers, at the left side of Toft pier there was some calmer weather, it was in the lee o the wind..
There I took these..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RBMerganser-5.jpg)
Then this Gull started to pester it ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RBMerganser-9.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RBMerganser-8.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RBMerganser-7.jpg)
Then it dived.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RBMerganser-4-1.jpg)
george..
-
It was really terrible weather today.. think it was about F.9 or 10 with driving rain, not the kind of weather to take photos, but I did get some Goldeneye.
Later, I did look for the Rough Legged Buzzard but with the car shaking, and the poor visibility I did'nt wait long, and went home..
Goldeneye ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Goldeneye-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Goldeneye-6.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Goldeneye-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Goldeneye-5.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Goldeneye-1.jpg)
george..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft ..
Despite this horrible weather we are having, I spent three hours bird watching, and boy, was it fantastic to see the R.L.Buzzard hunting was amazing ..
All my pics were far off. but to see it through my binos was amazing..
Its been in the same location for about five weeks, I suppose the Rabbit population won't be very happy with it ..
I'll show pics of it on two posts..
Rough Legged Buzzard ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-1_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-3_filtered-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-4_filtered-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-5.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-6_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-7.jpg)
george..
-
2. nd. post ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-8_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-9_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-10.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-11.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-12.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-13_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-14_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/buzzard-15_filtered.jpg)
Hope you enjoy them ..
george..
-
Despite this horrible weather .. temp 3.2�C; humidity 91 pct; windspeed 35.6 kts E; Force 7; Gust 37.5 kts; pressure 1004.0 hpa; Rain 0.0 mm
Visibility is not very good .. but i'll go and see if the R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft ..
If its still with us, then I think it will be resting out of the wind, so I'll start by checking its favoured roost ..
Yesterday it was feeding, so it may not need to eat today ..
Also yesterday it was on its roosting post, but took up a lower point on the roost, which ment that birders at their favoured spotting position would'nt have seen it .. but where I was it was visible .. I did'nt show pics of it on its roost, as it was partly obscured ..
Later, i'll add to this post [ if I spot it ]
This is an update on the Rough Legged Buzzard.
Its still at Toft..
I took these pics at 1230 pm..
It was having a wee argument with some Hoodie crows..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-j_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-i_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-h_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-g_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-f_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-e_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-d_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-c_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-b_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-a_filtered-1.jpg)
All these pics were taken about 500 feet from it, so, sorry for the poor quality of them ..
george..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft..
I promised my eldest son that I would show it to him..
Well, it did'nt disappoint us, it appeared at 1245 pm ... its difficult to get close enough to get really good pics .. but I tried .. I've got sixteen photos ready for here .. I'll have to put them in two posts..
Then we left and photographed an Otter then a Heron then two Ringed Plovers ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-16_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-15_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-14_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-13_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-12_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-11_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-10_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-9_filtered-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-7_filtered-1.jpg)
george..
-
Cont..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-6_filtered-2.jpg)
On the power post. its roost is at the left hand side of the post.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-5_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-4_filtered-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-3_filtered-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-2_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Buzzard-1_filtered-3.jpg)
I might show the photo of the Otter tomorrow ..
george..
-
I can't decide whether to go bird watching .. or not ..
The weather is terrible, visability is so poor, and that wind is a right pain .. and not forgetting the rain ..
Still, I might go, as you never know what you'll find .. thats why I love birdwatching, its the unexpected bird you may stumble on ..
Like yesterday The Rough Legged Buzzard was being mobbed by a pair of Hoodie crows, so it dived down to the heather and flushed a Red Grouse which flew low, up and over the ridge ..
george ..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft
Some of my pics are slightly nearer..
It came from the north today at the same time as yesterday [ 1245 pm ]
It landed four times, the last landing was up in the moor ..
Pics ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-b_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-c_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-d_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-e_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-g_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-i_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-j_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-k_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-l_filtered.jpg)
george ..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft..
I seen it near the radar mast, after watching for three & a half hours .. i was frozen ..
I then went to Toft pier looking for Otters, but none seen.
I then went back home calling in at Mossbank pier first.. thats when I saw the Otter ..
Herring gulls,
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Herring-gulls-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Herring-gulls-2_filtered.jpg)
Curlew ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Curlew-1_filtered-1.jpg)
Then came the dog walkers .. near the R.L.Buzzards roost, so I then left ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Dog-waikers-2_filtered.jpg)
Aye. thats you in this pic Jack.. lol ..
george ..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft ..
Its been around for 48 days, from the first sighting ..
I waited two hours before I spotted it, it was flying very low down, then it landed on the ridge on the heather, then it flew off to the next valley ..
R.L.Buzzard ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-1.jpg)
Common gull ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Common-gull-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Common-gull-1.jpg)
My friends Tony and Beth missed it by half an hour..
It showed up at 1300 hours..
george ..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft..
Day 49 and its still here, I wonder when it'll go back to Scandinavia, plus the two on Unst ..
I went earlier today, and it appeared from the south, flying north, I phoned my friends, Tony and Beth, they came about 12 noon and I was delighted that they seen it as well ..
Todays images were, as usual, far off again ..
Rough Legged Buzzard ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-c_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-b_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-a_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-d.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-f_filtered-1.jpg)
I'll check on it tomorrow ..
george ..
-
This gale o wind is seriously effecting my sleep pattern wae da noise .. still it will sharpen my thoughts on planning my day out .. first i'll check out the R.L.Buzzard, then later in the afternoon i'll see if the sparrowhawk or its mate is still about up north, I did get a tip-off late last night about where its roost is .. its been roosting from 1600 hours for the past week, then it had a fight wae another Hawk at the roost ..
I'll edit this post later.. if I spot either .
Well, no sign of the R.L.Buzzard which does'nt surprize me, F8 to 9 gale force winds and driving rain. it was probably sheltering somewhere .. I spent three and a half hours looking for it ..
The Sparrowhawk i've still to check, so if I spot it, i'll up-date this post ..
george ..
-
I'm really happy to report that the Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft..
This morning I set off in the most miserable weather, got to my favorite spot and scoured the hills looking for the buzzard ..
I took me an hour searching with my binoculars, then i thought I had seen a movement on the hill ..
At last, I had found it, As it was about a quarter mile from me I decided to swop my binos for my scope, glad I did, for it kept turning its head looking all round, I just wish I had taken my digi-camera with me as it seemed to be grounded with the driving rain.. I watched it for about an hour and a half ..
My images [two] are not very good, as visibility was poor with the driving rain..
Spot the buzzard ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-d-1.jpg)
Still poor, but heavily cropped..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-b-1.jpg)
I'll check on it tomorrow, but the forecast is heavy rain, so might not see it ..
george ..
-
No sightings of the R.L.Buzzard today ..
I was there for 3 hours this morning ..
I'll show a picture of where I spot it the most, to get a picture, you'll need a 400mm lens or longer..
Where i watch ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Watching-2.jpg)
And if you look at the other pic. you'll notice a ruin on the right. beyond the ruin is a fence, to check if the Buzzard is roosting on it, I check with my camera.. all pics were taken from the gate..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Watching-3.jpg)
The only other birds I saw was a Merlin being bothered by a Hoodie crow
I'll be there in the morning from 1030 ..
george ..
-
The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft..
I was there early this morning, I spotted it on top of a pylon at ten am, I watched it for a wee while, then I noticed Austin driving his car towards my location ..
Suddenly it swooped down and I lost sight of it ..
I introduced myself to Austin and explained where I most often see it, then I phoned Mark the county recorder to report it .. but Mark was watching it from the cattle grid and seen it swoop down, I was a bit surprized as I did'nt know Mark was about ..
After a while, Mark phoned me to tell me it was at his location, so I told Austin who made his way towards Mark ..
I did see it in the scope at the top of the hill near Mark ..
I then left and went to Toft pier..
Later I met Mark and he told me that it started to spiral upwards, till it was just a spot in the sky, and seemed to be drifting towards Yell Island ..
He thinks that its going back to where it came from ..
But i'll still have a look tomorrow, although I think its finally gone ..
Only one image from this morning ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-b_filtered-2.jpg)
george ..
-
Awww! Have a safe journey RL buzzard, wherever you may be going. :D
-
Hi. Lynne.. If its really gone, then it will go back to Northern Norway/ Finland and Russia .. but it may still be on Yell or Unst ..
george ..
-
I think the Rough Legged Buzzard is gone home ..
I did check this morning for one hour and no sightings ..
Then I went to Lerwick there I got two firsts for me ..
An Iceland gull and Long tailed duck ..
Also got a mute swan and black guillemot ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Black-gullimot-1_filtered.jpg)
Eider ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Eider-1_filtered.jpg)
Iceland gull four pics..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Iceland-gull-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Iceland-gull-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Iceland-gull-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Iceland-gull-6_filtered.jpg)
Long tailed duck .. three pics ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Long-tailed-duck-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Long-tailed-duck-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Long-tailed-duck-3_filtered.jpg)
Mute swan at Strand ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Mute-swan-1_filtered.jpg)
george ..
-
Lovely piccies George. That black one is quite a stunner! Looks like you had a lovely day weather wise too! :)
-
The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft ..
I saw it this morning at 1100 then I saw it again at 12 noon, it was riding the thermals, then it swooped down into the next valley ..
george ..
-
No sign of the R.L.Buzzard yesterday
I'm not really surprized considering the amount of heavy rain we had, myself and two other birdwatchers spent three hours looking for it, but gave up because of the heavy rainfall..
So, i'll look again this morning ..
george ..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft
Day 58..
I seen it at 10 this morning, it was being mobbed by hoodie crows..
Also at Toft, two fieldfares..
george..
-
No sightings of the Rough Legged Buzzard this morning, visiblility was so poor with the drizzle..
So i'll show three pics from yesterday, they were taken at extreme range, so not the best of pictures ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-1_filtered-1.jpg)
Taking a Mountain hare [winter coat]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-3_filtered.jpg)
Evading a Hoodie crow ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-4_filtered.jpg)
Fieldfare ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Fieldfare-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Fieldfare-2_filtered.jpg)
This morning.. taken in poor light and drizzle .
Black Guillemot ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACK-GUILLEMOT-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/BLACK-GUILLEMOT-2_filtered.jpg)
Turnstones ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Turnstone-1_filtered.jpg)
george ..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft [pictures included] its been here for at least 60 days since it was first noticed ..
First, this mornings pics, I was talking to Mark on the mobile about the Pod of Orcas in Yell sound, when I noticed the R.L.Buzzard flying across the meadow, I told Mark to hang on till I took pictures of it .. and took these ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-1_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-4_filtered-1.jpg)
Then it swooped down towards its roost ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-5_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-6_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-7_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-8_filtered.jpg)
An exciting morning .. 20 Pilot whales in Lerwick then a pod of Killers in Yell sound, and of course the R.L.Buzzard, it could'nt get better lol ..
On the way home I also took this pic. of the Greylag geese ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Greylag-1-1.jpg)
And last, one from yesterday. a Shag at my village ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Shag-2-1.jpg)
george ..
-
What a horrible day to be birdwatching .. I spent two hours looking for the R.L.Buzzard but I thought I seen it up on the high hill, but as I was'nt 100 percent it was it, then it did'n count ..
I then left and took pics of a rather smart Redshank .. I then did a spell of watching out for Whales but did'nt see any, there was mist covering Yell sound, then it was home into my cosy kitchen ..
Redshank ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Redshank-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Redshank-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Redshank-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Redshank-4_filtered.jpg)
george ..
-
This is just an update on the Rough Legged Buzzard
It was seen near the radar mast by a friend o mine, near where I thought that I had seen it, Jack phoned me last night to tell me, so with his permission, I sent an email to the Shetland bird club.. this is a link to the bird club.. CLICK HERE (http://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/naturelatest/latestbirds.htm)
george ..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft It was very active today, which surprized me, with the weather were having ..
One image of it on the ground, was difficult to get, until I set my camera to manual focus, I think i'll need to get a APO F4.5 EX DG HSM, I know there are expensive, but warehouse express are selling them for £3.398 .. recommended SIGMA price £4.800 .. so I think i'll get one .. unless anyone else has a good suggestion .. [help]
I also saw two Goosanders at Laxobiggin burn, three grabbed pics of them [male & female]
R.L.Buzzard .. todays images ..
Manual focus because of the power post ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-5_filtered.jpg)
Flying up the hill ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-3_filtered.jpg)
Goosanders ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Goosander-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Goosander-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Goosander-1_filtered.jpg)
George ..
-
No sightings of the Rough Legged Buzzard today
Well I'm not surprized that I did'nt see it, it had more sense than me..
The rain today was horizontal with the gales today ..
I did look for other birds, all I saw was a few ducks and a couple o gulls ..
Now its snowing, the weather advisory has put out a warning to expect heavy snow for Shetland & Orkney, with gale force winds.
All together it was a terrible day, with the exception of my sandwitches, they were really nice lol ..
george ..
-
I had to go to Lerwick today, while there I took these..
Mute swan
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Mute-swan-1.jpg)
Long tailed duck
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Long-tailed-ducks-1.jpg)
Goosander
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/goosander-1.jpg)
Goldeneye
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Goldeneye-2.jpg)
Iceland gull
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Iceland-gull-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Iceland-gull-1.jpg)
Eider
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Eider-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Eider-2.jpg)
1st summer drake eider
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ftsummerdrakeeider.jpg)
1st summer drake at the rear.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/eider.jpg)
george..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft
It was really cold this morning, but i'm as daft as a brush lol
I spent three hours watching it on and off, hopeing it would get close to me, but it did'nt.. I also seen two grouse and two mountain hares.
I kept the car engine on to keep warm, it was 0. degrees outside but no wind, which helped ..
I ordered the new 500mm lens and 1.4x tele/converter this morning, so hope it improves my pics, i'm sure it will lol ..
Now for the images..
Near the radar mast.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-12_filtered.jpg)
Hunting along the ridge
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-8_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-5_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-2_filtered-1.jpg)
Then it had a wee rest on this post [between me and the radar mast]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-11_filtered.jpg)
george ..
-
No sightings of the Rough Legged Buzzard today..
I'm really not surprized considering this bad weather.. hail, snow, and high westerly winds, the R.L.Buzzard was probably sheltering somewhere ..
Now some good news, my order for the new lens plus the 1.4x telecon,, has arrived at warehouse express, so should be with me about the middle of next week..
And more good news, i've just heard that a Sea Eagle has been seen at Airds meadow and a male Smew [rspb] at Lochwinnoch Strathclyde, which i'll spend most of my holidays at..
george .
Edited.
After I left the R.L.Buzzard site, I took these, Greylag & Shag ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shag-1.jpg)
george ..
-
lovely pictures george ;)
-
Thanks Liz .. Should be a lot better once I get my new lens its faster..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft ..
I spent four hours watching for it, after two hours I was joined by John [ he owns the drive that I use] after having a good yarn and lots o funny stories, John left .. so I picked up my binoculars and scanned the ridge and low and behold, it was there, sitting on top of a power pole, it kept being pestered by Hoodie crows..
So, this is the images I took today, as is usual, they were taken a long way away.. [ before I post the images ] I hope Hugh got his pics of the pod o killer whales heading south past Boddom ..
And, on the way home, I passed a female Merlin in flight..
R.L.Buzzard ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-1_filtered-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-3_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-4_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-5_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/RLBuzzard-6_filtered-2.jpg)
george ..
-
The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft..
I met up with Roger, he was 15 minutes earlier than me, just a few minutes after 10am this morning, he had the scope on it, it was on the ground, then it started to hunt, I contacted Hugh by mobile, half an hour later he arrived, followed by another birder a wee while later ..
Hugh got an amazing pic of it, he will sent me an email with the picture, so i'll add that on later..
In the meantime I spoke with the local postman, he said that I would get my new lens tomorrow, unless I went to Lerwick now, so I did..
I was back on the R.L.Buzzard site at 1600 hours and spotted the R.L.Buzzard right away, it was north of me, then it landed on a post between me and the radar mast ..
First pic is Hughs pic. its stunnng..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/get-attachmentaspx.jpg)
And mine, it just landed on a fence post between me and the radar mast at 1615 hours..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-5.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-33.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-1.jpg)
My pics are on manual focus..
I'll be on site tomorrow morning about 10 am..
george ..
-
No sightings of the Rough Legged Buzzard today..
Its possible that the two cars going up to the radar mast [may] have disturbed the Buzzard, I was at my normal sighting spot for three hours ..
I also watched five Mountain hares in the hill at Laxobiggin ..
george ..
-
No sightings of the Rough Legged Buzzard today
Myself and Andrew watched out for it for over two hours.
The weather.. it was blowing a gale, but dry ..
Its been around now for 69 days, i've seen it most days, but its unusual for it to be missing for two days, unless its gone home .. but I will check on it tomorrow
I left to go to Laxobiggin to see if the Arctic Hares were any closer, but no, they were still near the top of the hill, just below them was two Grouse after taking a few pics I went back to the R.L.Buzzard site but it was'nt to be seen ..
I then went home and saw two Red Breasted Mergansers and two Common Gulls
Grouse at a distance.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Grouse-1.jpg)
Common gull
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Common-gull-1.jpg)
Arctic hare at a distance
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/Arctic-hare-1.jpg)
And last, a lonely fence post lol ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/OTHERS/Lonely-post-1.jpg)
george..
-
No sightings of the R.L.Buzzard
So I phoned a contact to find out where the Snow Goose was..
He told me it was at Braewick near Strand loch, but it was old news, he seen it three days ago .. So I searched the area, but it was nowhere to find..
But I did get a few other birds..
Goosander.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Goosander-3.jpg)
Goosanders & Oystercatcher..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Goosander-5.jpg)
Curlew..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-1.jpg)
Lapwing..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lapwing-1.jpg)
Greylag..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-2-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-3-1.jpg)
Oystercatcher..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Oystercatcher-1.jpg)
george ..
-
I checked out the R.L.Buzzard site this morning, but no sightings..
Then I made my way to Bixter Voe, hopefully to see the Killer whale, but it was gone ..
I met with Hugh Harrop [Link] http://hughharropwildlifephotography.blogspot.com/
and asked him if he knew where the Snow Goose was, Hugh told me the area it was, so I made my way there..
Unfortunately it was being elusive again, but I did take these.
Redshank.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Redshank-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Redshank-1.jpg)
Curlew.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-1-1.jpg)
Greylag.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-1-1.jpg)
george ..
-
I got a phone call this morning, to say that the Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft
It was seen at 7am yesterday at the rear of Johns house.. So today I made my way to his house, and waited about 2 hours with no sightings of it..
Then at 1400 hours I got another call, John said it was at the rear of his house again, it was feeding on a dead rabbit, so I went back but it had left again..
Then I got another call, it was back, first it was sitting on the old ruin, then it flew to the power post behind Johns house..
John said he would put a couple of rabbits beyond the old farm implement later, so I'll be going early tomorrow morning, probably around 7.30am. i've checked the weather forecast for tomorrow, its to be fine in the morning, but windy..
So, i'm looking forward to being there early, and hopefully if its there, i'll get some nice pictures..
george ..
-
I had another phone call this evening from John ..
He has put 3 rabbits in the field, to the left of the farm implement with wheels, he put them when darkness fell, in case the Ravens took them..
So, for the people that know where i'm talking about.. I'll show a picture of it for those that don't..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BIRDS/Watching-2-1.jpg)
george ..
-
I was up early this morning, hopeing to get pics of the R.L.Buzzard feeding on the dead rabbits that John provided.. but no sighting of it after waiting for three hours, i'll probably check on it later, but first I think i'll get a couple of hours sleep..
This picture was taken at 6.9am this morning, the light was just comeing up, the building on the left is an old ruin, the sea is Yell sound, the island is Samphray just across from my village..
First light..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/WINTER/First-light-1_filtered.jpg)
george ..
-
Yesterday was a terrible day weather wise, it was blowing very strong, as it was in many places in the UK..
But I did spot a few birds braving the elements, Ravens, Hoodies, a Heron, Oystercatchers & Curlews..
The only noteable birds I saw, was a pair of Snow Buntings they were at the sheep feeders near Eshaness lighthouse, no photos of these nervous birds, as the car was rocking so bad with the gale. but i'll show three pics, the Heron & the Raven..
Heron.. [at Brae village]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Heron-1_filtered.jpg)
Raven.. [at Toft]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Raven-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Raven-1_filtered.jpg)
This was in Yell sound [very rough seas]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Sea%20things/Storm-1_filtered.jpg)
Sand wick bay..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Sea%20things/Storm-g_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Sea%20things/Storm-d_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Sea%20things/Storm-f_filtered.jpg)
The Dorholm..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Sea%20things/Dorholm-1_filtered-1.jpg)
The last pic. was very misty with the salt spray in the air..
george..
-
Turnstone at Toft..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Turnstone-a.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Turnstone-d.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Turnstone-b.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Turnstone-c.jpg)
george ..
-
The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft [but more elusive]
I searched for the Red headed Smew and the Snow Goose along with another birder, but we could'nt find them..
But I did get a Redshank, Goosander and Greylag..
Redshank.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Red-shank-1.jpg)
Goosander.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Goosander-1-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Goosander-2-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Goosander-3-1.jpg)
Greylag
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-1-2.jpg)
george ..
-
The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft..
I had stunning views of it this morning, and made a few phone calls to let other people know it was still with us..
It was hunting along the meadow, then it would turn and start again, while I was there I did'nt see it catching its prey..
Then a Hoodie crow started to annoy it, so it landed on the ground, then it flew north..
I'll post ten pics in two posts..
Rough Legged Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-37_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-36_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-35_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-33_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-32_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-31_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-30_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-23_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-18_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-17_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Post two. R.L.Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-16_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-13_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-12_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-11_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-10_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-9_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-29.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-28.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-26.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-24.jpg)
george ..
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The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft
For those who are interested, if you visit, your best chance to spot it, is to stay on Brough rd.. beyond the group of houses, if you take the track to the radar mast, you will only scare it north to mio ness .. it was very active yesterday morning in the meadow.
What you need.. patience [lots] binoculars, if your into photography a good zoom lens, and stay in your car i/e if you walk about and the buzzard see you, then it will move north, then nobody will see it ..
It was really active this morning, and I got many sightings of it, i'll show two pics taken this morning..
R.L.Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-2_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-3_filtered-1.jpg)
Edited. more pics added..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-21_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-19_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-8_filtered4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-7_filtered5.jpg)
I've sent John Laurenson a few pictures of it, as John allows me to set up my equipment on his land ..
george..
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No sightings of the R.L.Buzzard
I watched for it for over two hours, then went elsewhere and found an Otter feeding. nearby, the only birds I took photos of were a pair of Redshanks. I'll put the Otter pics in the animal section..
Birdwatching is a bit like angling [my other passion] when angling, some days you see plenty of trout rising. other days you see nothing..
Its a bit like the R.L.Buzzard... some days I see it all the time, other days, like today, you don't see it at all.. I do hope it shows tomorrow, as I got a call from another birder, George Petrie, he says that he will probably visit the site tomorrow ..
Redshanks at Laxobiggin..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Redshank-2-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Redshank-1-1.jpg)
george ..
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No sightings of the R.L.Buzzard today ..
I spent two hours this morning and one hour this afternoon, but did'nt see it at all ..
So I thought I would get something else.. despite the heavy rain I got this Oystercarcher, and when going back to the buzzard site I got a few pics of the Greylag goose..
Oystercatcher..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Oystercatcher-1-1.jpg)
Greylag ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Greylag-1_filtered.jpg)
george ..
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The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft
It was very active today, hunting along the meadow, so it was a bit closer to me .. I'll show ten pics of it, one of the pictures shows it on the ground being watched by two very close rabbits. lol ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-18_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-14_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-22_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-2_filtered-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-21.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-20.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-10_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-3_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-19_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-23_filtered-1.jpg)
george ..
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The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft..
I had a call this morning from a friend, the R.L.B. is at the back o my house.. so I slipped on my shoes grabbed my jacket and camera, and made my way to Toft, when I got there, there was no sign of it .. So I settled down and waited for it to show, in the meantime I had my breakfast [ a packet o biscuits] well I did'nt have time to make sandwiches lol ..
After a while, I was scouring the hills with my binos.. then suddenly I spotted it, it was on the ground on a place i've seen it often, it seems to favour this spot, as i've seen it there about seven times..
Sorry to have rambled on a bit, I tend to do that a lot, but without the story, the images would'nt be so interesting..
R.L.Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-2_filtered-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-1-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-5_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-8_filtered-1.jpg)
george ..
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No sightings of the R.L.Buzzard..
I only waited two hours today, so It might still be with us..
Then I went wandering in search of other birds and got these..
Domesticated geese..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Geese-at-Toft-1.jpg)
Red breasted Merganser [at a distance]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RBMerganser-1.jpg)
Oystercatcher [shalder]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Oystercatcher-1-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Oystercatcher-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Oystercatcher-3.jpg)
george ..
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Is there a chance of a mate for this lone birdie George??? :o
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It will probably find a mate back in Scandinavia, so if its still with us, then it wont be long till it leaves Lynne ..
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I had an amazing couple o hours birdwatching, and what a surprize.. The Rough Legged Buzzard is still with us..
It was first reported on the 5th January, here we are in April, and its still with us.. I had'nt seen it for a few days and I thought it might have left for Scandinavia.. but today I seen a flock of birds high up in the hills, I thought one looked familiar to the Buzzard, a quick check through the binos, and sure enough it was there.. It really was so far off, but I did take a few pics of it.. I'll only show one..
Other birds..
Skylark.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Skylark-1_filtered.jpg)
R.L.Buzzard.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-1_filtered.jpg)
Lapwings.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lapwing-1_filtered.jpg)
Barr tailed Godwits.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Barred-tailed-Godwit-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Barred-tailed-Godwit-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Barred-tailed-Godwit-1.jpg)
Ringed Plover.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Ringed-plover-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Ringed-plover-1.jpg)
Black Guillemot.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Black-guillemot-1.jpg)
Then it was gone.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Black-guillemot-2.jpg)
george..
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I thought that this photo was funny, i took it this morning, the whooper was on an island on Punds water..
Help, i'm sinking ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Whooper-1.jpg)
george ..
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The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft..
I seen it this morning, then seen a Kestrel in the afternoon..
Birds All taken today ..
Mallard.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Mallard-1.jpg)
Curlew.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-4.jpg)
R.L.Buzzard.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-3_filtered-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBuzzard-1_filtered-1.jpg)
Then I saw this Rabbit with dried grass for its burrow.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Rabbit-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Rabbit-2.jpg)
george ..
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Great shots. I saw some pipits last evening on Moel y Parc. Going there again today but will just take Buddie because two dogs, a pair of binoculars and a back pack are all too much when you are trying to spot birds! ::)
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I understand Lynne, but you do a good job of your wanderings..
I spent three hours before I spotted the R.L.Buzzard yesterday..
It was very misty when I got there, but it cleared away about 1100 unlike the west side o Shetland, it stayed misty all day ..
I got a call later from Mark, he seen a drake Ring Necked Duck [american bird] at the loch of Asta near Scalloway, then he called again, he recieved a call that a Kingfisher was at Toft, very rare for Shetland.. I had a look for it, but could'nt find it..
Photos ..
This is the mist when I first went to the buzzard site..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/SCENERY/Toft-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/SCENERY/Toft-1_filtered.jpg)
And this is my long lens bracket fitted on to my tripod, the camera & lens is very heavy, but fitted on the bracket it weighs nothing, perfectly balanced, panning full circle..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/OTHERS/new-head-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/OTHERS/new-head-1_filtered.jpg)
george ..
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The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft
Interesting day, got really nice pics of the meadow pipit, then went to visit the R.L.Buzzard site, then at 1330 it showed up on its favorite part o the hill, i've now seen it 12 times on the same part o the hill ...
Meadow pipit..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Meadow-pipit-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Meadow-pipit-5_filtered.jpg)
This one is a bit oof..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Meadow-pipit-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Meadow-pipit-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Meadow-pipit-1_filtered.jpg)
george ..
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Tuesday the 12th .. I was at the site about 0900am.. I met up with Andrew, he was at the site at the back of 0800 , so I showed Andrew where the R.L.Buzzard normally shows on the hill. Despite the relative high temperature, it felt cold with the wester'ly wind, so we sat in our cars..
At about 1100 I told Andrew that I was going to Laxobiggin then to Voxter, but I would be back later..
I was back at 1300 Andrew told me the R.L.B. did'nt show, but he did see a Swallow passing him ..
Andrew then left, and I stayed another hour, but no sightings..
So. there were no sign of the Rough Legged Buzzard on tuesday
Then I was back on Wednesday 13th. I was there about the same time as tuesday..
Then at 1100 I spotted it, it was on the ground where it normally rests half way up the hill..
I kept my lens trained on it, I was waiting for it to fly off, which it did ..
The R.L.Buzzard has now been here from the 5th Jan. when it was first noticed ..
Images were taken yesterday..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-6_filtered.jpg)
I'll check on the site later on this morning ..
george ..
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I decided last night to go to the south mainland, I wanted to find out if the puffins were back on the cliffs.. Its a bit early for them, I only seen three at a distance, lots of fulmars shags & gannets and a few wheatears, I did get two black tailed godwits at the pool of virkie.. and a lapwing at grobness .. unfortunatly I left one hour early as a pod of four orcas swam past where I was, they were heading up the east side of the island ...
Now todays birds..
I'll show the fulmars first ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fulmar-6.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fulmar-5.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fulmar-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fulmar-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fulmar-1.jpg)
Black tailed Godwits..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Black-tailed-godwit-1.jpg)
Lapwing ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lapwing-1-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lapwing-2.jpg)
Wheatear ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wheatear-4.jpg)
Rabbit ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/Rabbit-1.jpg)
George ..
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The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft..
There were two on Unst, one was seen in Yell yesterday, and one at Toft, on the mainland ..
I was talking to J.L. this morning, he was telling me that the one in Toft takes rabbits at the back of his house, and takes them into the middle of the field to eat them.. while I was there today, J.L. said to me, oh, there it is back, and sure enough, there it was.
This is some of the pics I took this morning ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB11_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB12_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB14_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB6.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB7.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-16_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-17.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB1.jpg)
george..
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Today started with me looking for killer whales, there has been a few sightings of these majestic animals around the islands, unfortunatly I did'nt spot any, the sound was very rough in the high wind, exacerbated by the wind blowing against the tide, the tide flows at twelve knots through the sound, so even on a calm day it can be dangerous ..
So I decided to go to the R.L.Buzzard site..
Later I met up with Julie, she saw a pod of orcas at Sumburgh a few days ago, she took stunning photos of them, then Austin turned up at the site, we had a wee chat about lenses and the R.L.Buzzard, then I excussed myself and left to do more whale watching ..
Later, Austin told me that he had seen the R.L.B. going over the range of hills..
So the Rough Legged Buzzard is still with us..
I'll show a few pics of a curlew I took before Julie & Austin showed up..
Curlew ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-d.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-c_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-b.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-a_filtered.jpg)
I'll show one pic of the R.L.B. taken the previous day which I did'nt show on my blog ..
The R.L.B. had landed in the field, this is it just flying off again ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB5.jpg)
Today I think i'll go to Lerwick and try to get pics of the Long Tailed Ducks in summer plumage..
george ..
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The Rough Legged Buzzard is still at Toft..
I was there early followed by Andrew, he set up his scope, I had my camera and tripod set up..
We waited for a while, the temperature said it was warm, but the wind felt cold, I had to go to Lerwick, I was wanting to get some pics of the long tailed ducks..
So I left Andrew.. he wrote on my facebook later.. rough-leg appeared just as i was reversing back into place after you'd left! it flew across the field alarming the curlews and settled onto post/gate you mentioned about but by the time i got back out to the scope it seemed to have gone, presumably over the hill. Good flight views with bins though! Hope you caught up with the Long-tailed Ducks ok.
Well, the long tailed ducks were'nt there, apart from one, and it was far off for a pic .. so I had fun taking pics of the seals..
I'll put the seals on here,as they are on this blog..
I was back on the buzzard site at 1514 and spotted the R.L.B. straight away, it was on the range at the highest point..
Then it took to wings, and hunted along the range of hills, then it turned and went north, getting higher and higher suddenly it dived onto the top of the moor. and that was the last sighting I had of it ...
Wheatear taken this morning ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wheatear-2.jpg)
Female Eider in Lerwick ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Female-eider-1.jpg)
Seals in Lerwick ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/Seal-7.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/Seal-6.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/Seal-5.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/Seal-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/Seal-3-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/Seal-2-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/Seal-1-2.jpg)
george ..
-
The R.L.Buzzard..
Its now been with us for 119 days, since it was first sighted on the 5th. Jan..
But I think its been here for much longer. as its such an elusive bird, lots of people have visited the site, but still not seen it, it seems to be very local to the site, never going far.. It roosts in the north at Mio-Ness then comes south to its favorite place on the hill, there it lands on the ground sometimes resting there for a while before it takes flight.. thats when I get my pics of it, it normally leaves its place on the hill and goes to the high moor..
I seen it a few afternoons ago, it was sitting on the highest point of the hill, then it went south along the range then turned and soared very high on the thermals and drifted north beyond the radar mast, then it dived down to the moor..... I did get pics, but they were no good, as it was so far off..
I did go yesterday, but visibility was poor and it was raining, so I had to leave it, i'll see if I can spot it this morning..
Kareen. my friend, seen a Siskin and a Brambling in her garden in the village ..
george ..
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It's been there a long time now George. I feel sorry for it though because it hasn't got a mate..... :'(
-
Would'nt it be great Lynne if it got a mate [there's another on Yell] and two on Unst the one on Yell is just across the sound and they bred on Shetland, then that would be a first for Shetland, I think the ones in Wales are common buzzards [pale morph] light varient ..
Just had a call from J.L. the R.L.B. is still at Toft this morning, guess where i'm going ..
george ..
-
The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft..
A drake Green-winged Teal at Loch of Trondravoe near Scatsta.
Pics of the R.L.B. later..
R.l.b. todays images..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-13_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-12.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-11.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-7_filtered.jpg)
george ..
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No sightings of the R.L.Buzzard today..
So I went elsewhere and got wheatears and juvenile herring gulls on the moor, then back to Garths Voe, there I got a male R.B.Merganser..
Wheatears..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wheatear-a.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wheatear-b.jpg)
Herring gulls..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Herring-gull-a.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Herring-gull-b.jpg)
R.B.Merganser ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Merganser-a.jpg)
George ..
-
I had a chiffchaff in my garden this morning, at first I thought it was a greenish warbler, so I contacted the shetland recorder, Mark came round to my house and watched the photos, he said it was a chiffchaff... but looked like the scandinavian type..
I got a pic. of a wood pigeon on sunday, scarce in shetland..
Then yesterday it was wheatear time at sandness on the west side o the island..
I.ve just had a phone call as I was writing this, it was J.L. at Toft..
He has just spotted the R.L.Buzzard which I have'nt seen from the 20th April .. so I'll report it to the shetland bird club tonight ..
Wood pigeon..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wood-pigeon-1.jpg)
Wheatear ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wheatear-d.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wheatear-c2.jpg)
Chiffchaff ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Siberian-chiffchaff-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Siberian-chiffchaff-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Siberian-chiffchaff-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Siberian-chiffchaff-5.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Siberian-chiffchaff-7.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Siberian-chiffchaff-10.jpg)
george ..
-
The R.L.Buzzard is still at Toft..
Its almost into May, and its still in Shetland, I haven't heard of the other three, two in Unst, one in Yell, so can't comment on these..
But the one in the mainland has been here a long time now, at least [ four months ]
So I was wondering if it is going to stay all year in Shetland..
The area it stays in is quite remote, so a lot of people who don't have the patience that I have, still haven't seen it yet..
I watched it soaring quite high yesterday, then it landed on top of a power post, there it stayed about a half hour, then it flew low to the ground, up and over the ridge into the next valley, I've got three pics taken yesterday, but it was very far off, but i'll show one pic...
Then I had to leave, as I had to book my trip off the Island, so I made my way to Lerwick, catching a Curlew & Whooper on the way..
Images.
R.L.B.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-1_filtered.jpg)
Curlew..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-2.jpg)
Whooper Swan..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Whooper-2.jpg)
george..
-
I was'nt feeling so good yesterday, so did'nt venture far from my house, and was I glad, as I spotted a first for me..
It was a Grasshopper Warbler [thanks Dougie for the ID]
I noticed it first when it was sitting on the top of my bird-house, then it flew into a bush..
I did'nt see it again for a while, then I seen it again, it was working its way along the ground, then it reached my old pile of logs alongside one of my bushes.. the image of it [the large one] was taken through my lounge window, then I slowly opened my window to get the others..
Grasshopper warbler..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Warbler-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Warbler-6.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Warbler-7.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Warbler-8.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Warbler-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Warbler-5.jpg)
george..
-
Yesterdays birds from Laxobigging.. Skylark & Meadow pipit..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Skylark-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Skylark-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Meadow-pipit-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Meadow-pipit-1.jpg)
george..
-
I did'nt go far yesterday as I wanted to erect a rustic kind'a fence/ roost for the birds round a home made feeder, I used the branches of a bush which one o my sons wanted cut down..
The fence/roost but the sparrow is on my sperm whale bone, which I also use as a bird table..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fence-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fence-1.jpg)
Sparrow at the top o the rowen tree.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Sparrow-1_filtered.jpg)
Blackbird.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Blackbird-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Blackbird-1_filtered.jpg)
Starling..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Starling-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Starling-2_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Yesterday I went to Sumburgh. I was wanting to get a few pics. of the Puffins on the cliffs, and other birds I found...
Puffin
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Puffin-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Puffin-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Puffin-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Puffin-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Puffin-5_filtered.jpg)
Shetland Wren
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wren-2_filtered.jpg)
Guillemots.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Guillemots-1.jpg)
Fulmar
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fulmar-1_filtered.jpg)
Eider.. at Grobness..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Eider-1_filtered.jpg)
Shelduck unfortunatly it was backlit at the pool of Virkie..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Sheld-duck-1.jpg)
george ..
-
Some birds reported in the last few days..
Black Kite on Yell
Subalpine Warbler at Ocraquy
Goshawk at Unst
Pectoral Sandpiper at Unst
Red Footed Falcon at Gunnister
Great Snipe at Fair Isle
Two Wrynecks at Whalsay
Male Collared Flycatcher at Fair Isle
And a few Bramblings, Blackcaps Greenfinch, and Siskins..
A few pics of mine taken in the last few days.. nothing exotic, like the ones reported above..
Blackcap.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Blackcap-2_filtered.jpg)
Rock pipit.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Pipit-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Pipit-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Pipit-4_filtered.jpg)
Wheatear.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wheatear-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Well I'm back in Shetland after my visit to my daughters bit in Strathclyde..
I had a great time, though the weather was terrible..
As I waited to board the ferry in Aberdeen I had a call from the Killer whale alert group. a pod of Killers were in Nesting bay.. then the next day I had another alert. Killers off Sumburgh, but I was home in the north of the island..
So back home, I looked out my window and spotted a Mealy redpoll, of course my camera was still packed in the car...
So later I set my camera in its tripod in my lounge.. not long to wait as the mealy came back..
Mealy redpoll ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Mealy-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Mealy-2_filtered.jpg)
Then there was a Blackbird, it had just finished a bath..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Blackbird-aa_filtered.jpg)
Then another one..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Blackbird-1_filtered2.jpg)
george..
-
At about 1700 on monday I got a call from the county recorder, Mark had just been told that a Squacco Heron was at the pool at Urafirth..
So I set off to the North mainland to see the bird, only to be told that it had flew off..
So I looked at another Loch. Loch of Urafirth. it has a lot of reeds at the west shore, I did'nt see it at all, so I went to check out Ronas Voe and checked it out as well, with no luck.
So I made my way home, later I got an email from Hugh Harrop which said the Squacco Heron was back at the pool at 2100.
So I decided that I would go north again very early the next morning..
So I was up at 0430 the next day, and was at the pool by 20 minutes to six, I met another birdwatcher. He had been there since 0400 and he told me he had'nt seen it, so I parked my car at the opposite end of the pool from the other guy, and waited..
A short while later, this bird with very light pinkish wings landed very near me, never have'nt seen a Squacco before, I was struck by its small size, but it was such a beautiful bird..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-heron-7_filtered.jpg)
It was about 40 feet from me, then it flew closer only about 20 feet now, it stayed there for a while, then the other guy came round wae his car and asked me if I had seen it, I told him it was right in front of him, then it flew off to the other side of the pool..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-heron-a.jpg)
Then I moved my car slowly to get nearer, I was about 150 feet from it, then it flew up and came closer to me again, only about 30 feet.
Flying up.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-heron-1.jpg)
and landing.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-heron-k_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-heron-4_filtered.jpg)
I then phoned a couple of friends to tell them it was still at the pool o Urafirth.
This was it hunting along the edges..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-heron-d.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-heron-f.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-heron-6_filtered.jpg)
Then it was lost in the tall Irises. so I made my way to the other side o the pool, and waited for Mark to arrive..
In the meantime other birders were arriving, and asked if the bird was still about, I told them, yes but it was'nt visible in the Irises, but I told them exactly where it was.. These guys got the pictures that they deserve as I'm sure they had come from the UK mainland for this bird.
I then seen the bird flying up from the Irise, it circled the valley and landed very close to me again, then it walked into a cleft on the bank and was out of sight.
Later some friends arrived and Mark, who originally told me about the bird.. Mark asked, is it gone, I told him no, it was right in front of him. Mark then spotted its head in the cleft, and got other birders in his car and moved slowly to see it better, then Julie arrived, she seen it as well, then it flew off to the other side o the pool.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-heron-ll.jpg)
The Squacco Heron is a new record for Shetland. so I was delighted to see it, and got over 300 pictures of it, on two cameras..
george..
-
This is a wee Slideshow of selected photos of the Squacco Heron .. http://tinyurl.com/68355u5
george ..
-
This is a few birds taken this week.
Arctic Tern.
Red Throated Diver.
And more unshown pics. of the Squacco Heron..
Arctic Tern.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-tern-1_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-tern-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-tern-2_filtered2.jpg)
Red Throated Diver.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Red-throated-diver-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Red-throated-diver-4_filtered.jpg)
Squacco Heron.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-Heron-h_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-Heron-g_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-Heron-f_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Squacco-Heron-c_filtered.jpg)
george ..
-
A few birds taken in the last few days.
Great black backed gull.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Great-black-blacked-Gull-1_filtered.jpg)
Curlew in the rain ..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Curlew-7_filtered.jpg)
Arctic tern.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-tern-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-tern-3_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-tern-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-tern-1_filtered3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-tern-4_filtered.jpg)
Razorbill.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Razorbill-3_filtered.jpg)
george ..
-
This is a few bird pictures taken in the last few days.
Golden plover, showing their wonderful camouflage..
Razorbill.
And Red Throated Diver, taken in the sea at Yell Sound..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Golden-plover-4.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Golden-plover-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Golden-plover-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Razorbill-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Red-throated-diver-1_filtered.jpg)
george ..
-
This is a few Arctic Skuas from yesterday. four pics.
But first... Unfortunatly, I met up with Simon Kings holiday tour, Unfortunatly because they spotted me waiting for the Otters to show at the Holt, and they lined up between my camera and the Holt. Spoiling the shoot, one guy had more sense and told them to back off, needless to say the Otters did'nt show..
Arctic Skua..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-Skua-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-Skua-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-Skua-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-Skua-4_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
This is last nights pics of the Arctic Skua being lit by the golden sunset..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-Skua-g_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-Skua-h_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-Skua-d_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-Skua-b_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-Skua-a_filtered.jpg)
This pic. was only cropped and sharpened, the sunset did the rest..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-Skua-c_filtered.jpg)
Gannet, taken earlier on the same day..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Gannet-a_filtered.jpg)
And last.. Simon Kings last cruise round the northern isles. I took this picture from the pier. He is heading back to the UK mainland tonight..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Simon-Kings-tour-1.jpg)
george ..
-
All the birds in todays pics were taken along the coast between mainland shetland and yell island..
Arctic tern.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-tern-1_filtered2-2.jpg)
Common gull.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Common-gull-1_filtered.jpg)
Great Skua & Gannet.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Bonxie-1_filtered.jpg)
Light phase Artic Skua.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-skua-1_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Artic-skua-a_filtered.jpg)
Puffin.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Puffin-1_filtered-1.jpg)
Arctic Terns.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ATERN.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ATERN2.jpg)
Dark phase Arctic Skua.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Arctic-tern-2_filtered5.jpg)
george..
-
I took these Gannets a few days ago off the village..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Gannets-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Gannet-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Gannet-1.jpg)
george..
-
Took these pics. this morning.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Gannet-a_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Gannet-b_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Gannet-c_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Gannet-d_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Gannet-e_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Gannet-f_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I thought I would have a wee break from my work in the garden, and let my body heal itself from the cuts & bruises, and an annoying pulled muscle in my side.. so I thought I would concentrate on the Bonxie or its real name. the great skua..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Bonxie-1_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Bonxie-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Bonxie-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Bonxie-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Bonxie-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Bonxie-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Bonxie-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Bonxie-8_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
More Bonxies taken on the 5th august 2011
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Great-skua-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Great-skua-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Great-skua-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Great-skua-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I went looking for the super- pod of White-sided Dolphins at Vidlin voe,yesterday, there was 300 + but only saw the Common dolphin, then I checked out Lunna in general but nothing seen except this Kestrel, it was posing quite nice on a fence post till i lifted my camera, then it flew off, then I was glad it was a kestrel, as it started to hover as they do.. I've been down in Scotland mainland on holiday last year and this year, and I haven't seen any Kestrels along the motorways, just Buzzards. So I was really pleased that I came across this one..
Kestrel..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Kestrel-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Kestrel-b_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I stumbled on this Kittiwake at the village pier, they have to be one of our prettiest gulls imo..
Kittiwake..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Kittiwake-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Kittiwake-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Kittiwake-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Kittiwake-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Kitiwake-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Kitiwake-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
23. 08.011.
I spent yesterday morning with my favorite Gull, the Kittiwake, its such a beautiful bird, they were mixed in with mainly common and herring gulls, here they are..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Kittiwake-e_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Kittiwake-d_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Kittiwake-c_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Kittiwake-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Kittiwake-a_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Kittiwake--friend-d_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Kittiwake--friend-c_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Kittiwake--friend-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Kittiwake--friend-a_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Kittiwake--friend-4_filtered.jpg)
Hope you like them..
george..
-
Those are great photos of the little kittiwake, George. It is a lovely bird. Come to think of it, I haven't seen one recently. Well not close up anyway. Thanks for those. Anne.
-
Thanks Anne, the kittiwake seems to be a bit rarer these days, so its nice to see them at the village..
george..
-
This week Shetland is awash with migrant birds..
Swainsons thrush, Grey-cheeked Thrush [on fetlar] Great Grey Shrike [on Fair isle], at least five Pallid harriers.
Lots of other birds as well.. just in. [A Bairds's Sandpiper is also on Fair Isle.] Buff-bellied sandpiper was most elusive at Eshaness yesterday..
I'll show some waders..
Sanderling.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Virki-4_filtered.jpg)
Sanderling & right Dunlin.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Virki-1_filtered.jpg)
Knot..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/redknot.jpg)
Redshank..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Redshank-1_filtered.jpg)
Twite, just starting their bath..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Twite-3_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I've been busy trying to get a pic. of the Lesser Grey Shrike, since monday, so far without success..
In the meantime I'll show some more obliging birds..
Snow Bunting.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SB-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SB-1_filtered.jpg)
Wagtail.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wagtail-2_filtered.jpg)
Twite. it just finished a bath..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Twite-1_filtered.jpg)
Blackcap in my garden.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Blackcap-12.jpg)
Wren in my garden.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wren-1_filtered.jpg)
Starling in my garden.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Starling-1_filtered-1.jpg)
Blackbird in my garden.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Blackbird-1_filtered-1.jpg)
george..
-
Lovely bird photos, George, but the one of the blackbird is really striking.
Anne.
-
Thank you Anne for the comment re.blackbird, sometimes we forget that the commonest birds are so beautiful..
Lesser Grey Shrike..
Its took me four days to get its picture, I was talking to two birders up in holiday, I told them I had seen it very briefly the day before.. When they left me and wandered up the hill, I noticed them watching something with there binoculars, it was the Shrike, it was hunting insects lower down the hill, it seems to be favoring this meadow, as it has a bit of shelter from the wind, another birder arrived, I told him where it was, he started to play an audio of a shrike, hoping it would come closer, it did, but was still quite a distance..
Today i'll take my tripod, and fit my 1.4x onto my lens, that'll make it a 700mm F5.5 m/f .. and hopefully that will bring it closer..
Lesser Grey Shrike..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/LGShrike-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lgs-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lgs-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lgs-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lgs-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lgs-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lgs-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Lgs-2_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I'll show a few pics of the Great Skua, taken within the last seven days, note the weather. it was lovely, unlike yesterday, it was horrible..
Great Skua.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Great-skua-1_filtered3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Great-skua-2_filtered3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Great-skua-3_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Great-skua-4_filtered2.jpg)
Yesterday.. A lady from Rhode Island USA got a lift in my car from Sumburgh lighthouse to Sumburgh hotel, she just escaped a heavy shower, I seen it coming over the Atlantic and stopped for her, she was finding it hard to walk with the stong gale o wind, and we shared this lovely bird between us..
Wheatear. [ it was very tame]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Sumburgh-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Sumburgh-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Sumburgh-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Wheatear-1_filtered6.jpg)
george..
-
Those are great photos, George. Wheatears are such bonnie wee birds.
-
Anne, I was surprized, wheatears normally don't let you get close to them, but this one did..
george..
-
This week I went down to the south end of Shetland mainland. A Isabelline Shrike.. has been there for a few days, as i'm not to sure of the area it is in , so I phoned Hugh Harrop, he gave me excelent directions..
It was at the bottom of the field, fence hopping, it eventully made it up to where I was..
Isabelline Shrike..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-17_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-16_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-12_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-11_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-15_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-13_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-9_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-2_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Isabelline Shrike. latest pics..
Fieldfare..
Blackcap..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-22_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-66_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Shrike-66_filtered.jpg)
Fieldfare..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fieldfare-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fieldfare-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Fieldfare-7_filtered.jpg)
Blackcap..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Blackcap-2_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Blackcap-3_filtered.jpg)
Twite..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Twite-a_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
My pictures of the [rubythroat] are certainly not as good as I would like, it kept a fair distance from all the twitchers.
On Thursday we had four birders from Bristal & yesterday we had a few from Yorkshire. glad to say they all seen the Mega rare bird..
Yesterday was terrible weather-wise. wet cold & very windy, at one stage I was nearly blown away, it was so strong..
So.. The Siberian Rubythroat is still at Gulberwick..
My poor pictures of it..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SibRubythroat-F.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SibRubythroat-E_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SibRubythroat-D_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SibRubythroat-C_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SibRubythroat-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SibRubythroat-A_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Black Guillemot.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/BLACK-GUILLEMOT-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/BLACK-GUILLEMOT-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/BLACK-GUILLEMOT-1_filtered.jpg)
Eiders..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/EIDERS-1_filtered.jpg)
Siberian Rubythroat..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SRT-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Nice pictures, George. I'm pleased you managed to get one of the Siberian Rubythroat.
-
Thanks Anne, that pic was with my old 170-500mm lens, my new sigma 500mm F4.5 is away in the hospital. lol ..
-
Yesterday was not a good day for taking pictures..
But I did get the Redwing & Long tailed duck..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/REDWING-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/REDWING-2.jpg)
L.T.Duck..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/LTD-2_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Well, George, I think you did really well to get those pictures considering the weather. It's always good to see bird pictures. Well done. Anne.
-
Thank you Anne.. it was difficult with the salt in the air, it was blowing everywhere, the video i made at Grutness, because the wind was so strong, I had to sit down on a boulder..
george..
-
Shetland is awash with thousands of Fieldfares Redwings & Blackbirds..
Also the Isabelline Shrike Great Grey Shrike & Redbacked Shrike..
The Siberian Rubythroat is still at Gulberwick.. and of course we have other birds as well..
This is a few pics of the fieldfare taken yesterday..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/FIELDFARE-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/FIELDFARE-2_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/FIELDFARE-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/FIELDFARE-4_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/FIELDFARE-5_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/FIELDFARE-6_filtered-1.jpg)
george..
-
As ever, George, these photos are really great. You have an eye for bird photography that's for sure. Anne.
-
Thank you Anne.. would really like one of the Short Eared Owls down at Scatness. there were 11 yesterday morning..
george..
-
The R.L.Buzzards are back on Shetland, there are two at Laxobigging area, they are here two months earlier than the last lot were..
Yesterdays pictures were a surprize to me, as i spent most of the day watching them for ages, but they were so far away, for any local twitcher that knows the area, then look at the meadow beyond Bertie Johnsons house [from the Graven rd.]
The one I got in the camera was a fluke, as I did'nt see it coming towards me, it was following the burn, it then crossed the road and landed on the heather, I scrambled out my car, and took a few shots [handheld] then it lifted and disappeared up the burn..
Two of my pics were taken on the fifth [mobbed by crows] the other ones were yesterdays pictures..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-1_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-3_filtered2.jpg)
Yesterdays pics..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBUZZARD-10_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBUZZARD-11_filtered-2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBUZZARD-7_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBUZZARD-6_filtered.jpg)
Then it flew off up the burn..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBUZZARD-1_filtered-2.jpg)
This is a Meadow Pipit a few days ago, not the best o photos, but I liked it flying away from its post..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/MEADOW-PIPIT-1_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/MEADOW-PIPIT-2_filtered-1.jpg)
And this one is the Siberian Rubythroat, it was rather far off for my lens..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SR-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I went to Laxobigging to watch the R.L.Buzzard yesterday..
At first, I only caught a far off glimpse of it with the binos..
Then I decided that breakfast was a really good idea, so I set off, at the next passing point on the single track road, I thought.. that looks odd..
It was the R.L.Buzzard feeding on a rabbit with a gull waiting nearby..
Breakfast was soon forgotten..
When it finished its meal it flew up and landed on a roof on a barn.. It was being pestered by a hoodie crow, so it flew to the next barn roof..
It stayed on the barn roof for about three mins.. then it flew low followed by the hoodie crow..
It disappeared in the middle of the meadow behind a ridge..
Then I went to the next village for my breakfast [Frankies cafe]
Rough Legged Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-A_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-C_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-F_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-K_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLBUZZARD-A_filtered.jpg)
When I returned to the site I met Roger Tait from Brae Village, Roger was a bit excited at seeing the buzzard...
george..
-
I thought I would do a wee catch-up..
Its been interesting in shetland with all the migrant birds we have, and the local birds don't disappoint either..
This is the Merlin.. I had been looking for the R.L.Buzzard and could'nt find it, so I decided I would go for my breakfast.. I was crossing the moor in my car, when I noticed this bird in the heather, at first I thought it was a Fieldfare, but it was a Merlin, it seemed to be searching an area of heather, probably knocked a bird out the sky and lost it in the heather..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/MERLIN-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/MERLIN-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/MERLIN-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/MERLIN-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/MERLIN-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/MERLIN-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/MERLIN-7_filtered-1.jpg)
george..
-
Shetland Wren..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/WREN-1_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/WREN-2_filtered4-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/WREN-3_filtered.jpg)
Snow buntings..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SNOW-BUNTINGS-3_filtered.jpg)
!Tundra! Geese..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/BEAN-GOOSE-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/BEAN-GOOSE-1_filtered.jpg)
Hume's warbler..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/HUMES-WARBLER-1_filtered.jpg)
Rough Legged Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-1-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-5.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-9.jpg)
george..
-
Horrible weather for taking pictures.. but I did get these of the R.L.Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BUZZ-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BUZZ-5_filtered.jpg)
That was two days ago...
This was yesterday.. It was windy and wet, with the rain blowing in my car window.. digital cameras don't like getting wet, so did'nt hang about for long..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/BUZZA-3_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I've just realised that i've not showed my recent pictures of the Snow buntings at Eshaness..... Snow buntings are a bit nervous, and usually fly away from you.. So I took some wild bird seeds with me and prepared the site with them.. Then waited for them to get used to my car... Which they did.....
Snow buntings..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SNOW-BUNTING-8_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SNOW-BUNTING-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SNOW-BUNTING-4_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SNOW-BUNTING-3_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SNOW-BUNTING-2_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SNOW-BUNTING-1_filtered3.jpg)
george..
-
Lovely photos again, George. That was a good idea taking wild bird seed with you. Well done.
Anne.
-
Thank you Anne.. it was Hugh Harrop that told me about the bird seeds..
Last winter I did peg out rabbits for the over-wintering R.L.Buzzard.. but the Ravens got them first. lol ..
george.
-
These guys were at the Houb o Urafirth..
Goldeneye in a hurry..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOLDENEYE-1_filtered.jpg)
Scaup..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SCAUP-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SCAUP-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SCAUP-2_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Yesterday was a day of choices... continue watching the R.L.Buzzard, go to Lerwick and see the Desert Wheatear or head to Sumburgh to see the Humpback Whale.. The Desert Wheatear won hands down as I've never seen one before.. so I made the phone call for its location..
Desert Wheatear..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/DESERT-WHEATEAR-11_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/DESERT-WHEATEAR-10_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/DESERT-WHEATEAR-7_filtered.jpg)
This is a shaky video I made of the D/Wheatear..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Videos%201/th_DesertWheatearcompressed.jpg) (http://s827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Videos%201/?action=view¤t=DesertWheatearcompressed.mp4)
george..
-
After yesterdays excitment [Desert Wheatear] in Lerwick it was back to the Rough Legged Buzzard..
I found it sitting on a shed roof..
I got my car side on to the buzzard, unfortunatly it was back lit..
Never mind it was relatively close [about 4 hundred feet from me]
Then a Hoodie crow started to annoy it, thats when the fun started..
R.L.Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-14_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-17_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-12_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-13_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-1_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-11_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I seen the R.L.Buzzard again today, it was in a valley quite far from the road.. The wind had changed from s/westerlys to easter'lys thats probably why its in this valley taking advantage of a more sheltered position... These pictures were all taken before the new-year..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/B-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/B-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/B-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/B-8_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/B-16_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/B-9_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/B-15_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/B-7_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
This R.L.Buzzard can be seen most days, if you have patience. But sometimes you spot it when you arrive [like today] I watched several times this morning..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RL-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RL-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RL-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RL-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RL-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RL-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RL-9_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RL-10_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I checked out the R.L.Buzzard at Laxobigging [ its still with us ]
Then I made a trip to Lerwick.. I heard that lots of Iceland gulls were at the [catch] with a few Kumlien's and an Glaucous Gull..
But first I made a stop at Strand loch to see the Goosanders..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOOSANDER-1_filtered-1.jpg)
Then it was onward to Lerwick.. Where I saw these birds..
Iceland gull..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ICELAND-F_filtered.jpg)
Kittiwake..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/KITIWAKE-A_filtered.jpg)
Iceland gull..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ICELAND-D_filtered.jpg)
Eider..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/EIDER-A_filtered.jpg)
Iceland gull..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ICELAND-E_filtered.jpg)
Kittiwake..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/KITTIWAKE-1_filtered.jpg)
And last was another Iceland gull..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ICELAND-GULL-1_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
The R.L.Buzzard took me by surprize yesterday.. I was parked on the high ground overlooking the old WW2 cinema [now a ruin] at the cemetery.. Suddenly it appeared. It was flying past the old cemetery heading up the burn, but it was flying leisurely above the heather, crossed the steep fence, still going up, then down, then landed near the top.. I took a few pictures of it.. If I find a decent one then i'll show you.. unfortunatly I was waiting for it to take flight, but the rain started, it was blowing in my car window so I called a halt to my birdwatching..
R.B.Merganser..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RBMERGANSER-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RBMERGANSER-3_filtered.jpg)
Flight shot with ripples of Sullom Voe..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RBMERGANSER-5_filtered.jpg)
R.L.Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-B_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-C_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-E_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-F_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-G_filtered.jpg)
And this is where it landed just as the rain started..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-10_filtered2.jpg)
george..
-
Rough Legged Buzzard..
I was off oot birdwatching at first light [well 0900] It was amazing to watch it hovering.. It made a few sweeps down to the heather.. [see the coloured picture] the sun was making things a bit difficult for me, but some of my pics although backlit, they are still ok in my opinion..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/21-01-2012-b_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/21-01-2012-n.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/2012-01-22--o.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/21-01-2012-o_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/21-01-2012-p.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/21-01-2012-e_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/21-01-2012-k_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-2_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/21-01-2012-m_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-1_filtered-3.jpg)
george..
-
Yesterday I was searching for the long staying R.L.Buzzard..
I found it eating a Rabbit in a field [with my binoculars]
It was so far away.. But I noticed that there was dead ground between me and the Buzzard.. So I crept the car forward along the private track. then the R.L.B. seen me and soared up into a power pole.. unfortunatly the photos are a bit dark owing to me being on the wrong side of it.... but ....
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/24-01-2012-I_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/24-01-2012-G_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/24-01-2012-F_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/24-01-2012-D_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/24-01-2012-C_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/24-01-2012-B_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I went to the R.L.B. site today [no surprize there] I noticed two Ravens sitting on the ruin o the cinema, then I seen it.... It was sitting on top of a gravestone [not my wifes] one of the auld ones.. It then flew, followed by the Ravens up the Laxobigging Burn, and gave stunning views for an awful long time.. it was hunting alongside the hill, I was joined by another birder later..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/5-1-2012-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/5-1-2012-C_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/5-1-2012-F_filtered_.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/5-1-2012-H_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/5-1-2012-I_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/5-1-2012-K_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/5-1-2012-L_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/5-1-2012-J_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Interesting day yesterday, It started with the Mountain Hare, I took two cameras and two tripods. I walked [stumbled] over the moor at an angle so as not to spook the Hare.
Set-up my cameras, and took many pictures of it.
I then left my long lens and went to my other camera [it had a 10-20mm lens, it was trained on my long lens..
Then it happened.. The wind blew my camera to the ground luckily for me it landed on spagnum moss..
Later on it started to mist up in the view-finder..
I then went to look for the R.L.Buzzard.. I found it on top of a pylon [power post] parked up my car and got my tripod out the boot..
I was attaching the camera to the tripod when I spotted the R.L.B. flying past me. I only got two keepable pictures of it..
Then it was home.. But on the way I spotted a R.B.Merganser, parked the car and took its picture, then I noticed a bird in the Houb of Laxobigging, it was a goldeneye. Got a couple of flight shots of it, then it was home..
Me and the tripod..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/CAMERA--HARE-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/CAMERA--HARE-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/CAMERA--HARE-3_filtered.jpg)
This was what I was after.. The Mountain Hare..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/M-HARE-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/M-HARE-2_filtered.jpg)
Rough Legged Buzzard..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/RLB-A_filtered4.jpg)
Goldeneye..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/GOLDEN-EYE-A_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/GOLDEN-EYE-B_filtered.jpg)
And last.. The R.B.Merganser..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ANIMALS/RBMERGANSER-B_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
More pictures of the Rough Legged Buzzard, taken yesterday and friday..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-9_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-8_filtered3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-7_filtered3.jpg)
Hunting..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-3_filtered-1.jpg)
The dive..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-5_filtered.jpg)
Missed it..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-6_filtered-1.jpg)
Trying another place..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-10_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RLB-11_filtered-1.jpg)
george..
-
This weeks birds..
Kittiwake..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/KITTIWAKE-1_filtered3.jpg)
Long Tailed Duck..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/LONG-TAIL-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/LONG-TAIL-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/LONG-TAIL-1_filtered.jpg)
Male & Female..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/LONG-TAIL-6_filtered.jpg)
Red Breasted Merganser..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/BILLISTER-H.jpg)
Grey Heron with pals..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/BILLISTER-F.jpg)
Courting display..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/BILLISTER-D.jpg)
george..
-
Two days ago I went to Wester Quarf looking for the Great Grey Shrike, but could'nt find it..
While I was at centrel Shetland I thought I would travel to Sumburgh to see the Puffins in the south end of the island..
I got a few Puffin shots outside the Puffin camcorder, then I noticed a movement in the grass.. It was two Goldcrests, they were feeding on insects..
So I took lots of pictures of them, I had a bit of bother with focusing on them wae the long-lens, so I backed away from them and got these..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOLDCREST-E_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOLDCREST-D_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOLDCREST-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOLDCREST-8_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOLDCREST-6_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOLDCREST-4_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOLDCREST-2_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOLDCREST-1_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/GOLDCREST-7_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I've been neglecting this post for a few weeks as i've been concentrating on the Mountain Hares...
So this is a mixed bag I've taken recently..
I'll start wae the Raingeese [Red throated diver]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RAINGOOSE-A_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RAINGOOSE-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RAINGOOSE-3_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/RAINGOOSE-2_filtered.jpg)
Shelduck..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SHELDUCK-A_filtered.jpg)
Puffin..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/Puffin-1_filtered3.jpg)
Shalder [Oystercatcher]
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/SHALDER-1_filtered4.jpg)
Pied-Wagtail..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/PIED-W-2_filtered.jpg)
And last.. A pair of Whoopers flying high past me..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/WHOOPERS-A_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
I got some amazing shots of different Arctic Terns in flight.. then I found a Mallard wae her chicks, they were running along a ditch near where i took the mountain hare pictures..
Arctic Tern first..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ARCTIC-TERN-1_filtered2-3.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ARCTIC-TERN-3_filtered2.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ARCTIC-TERN-4_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ARCTIC-TERN-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ARCTIC-TERN-6_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ARCTIC-TERN-7_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ARCTIC-TERN-10_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/ARCTIC-TERN-11_filtered.jpg)
The Mallard chicks..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/CHICKS-E_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Birds%202/CHICKS-6_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
The Arctic Terns seem to be doing well this year with their chicks..
The Arctic & Common chicks are starting to take short flights at a [Voe in Delting]
The adults seem to be having difficulty finding Sand Eels, so they are catching wee Silocks..
I have included a picture of Arctic Skuas ganging up on a Tern, they fly so fast chasing the Tern, so its difficult to get their picture when chasing Terns..
Arctic Skuas..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Skuas-1_filtered.jpg)
Artic Terns & Common Terns with chicks..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ARCTIC-TERN-A_filtered-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/CHICKS-B_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/CHICKS-E_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/CHICKS-F_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/CHICKS-G_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/CHICKS-H_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/CHICKS-I_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/CHICKS-J_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/CHICKS-K_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Migrant Sparrowhawk..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Sparrowhawk-7_filtered.jpg)
Shetland Wren..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Shetland-Wren-5_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Shetland-Wren-4_filtered.jpg)
Merlin..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Merlin-1.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/merlin.jpg)
Arctic Skua..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/ARCTIC-SKUA-4_filtered3.jpg)
Gannet diving..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/GANNET-2_filtered.jpg)
going under..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/GANNET-1_filtered.jpg)
Feeding frenzy..
Arctic Terns..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Feeding-3.jpg)
Dunlin.
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Dunlin-c.jpg)
george..
-
Waxwing in my garden..
I thought there was going to be hundreds on the Island.. Apart from the lone bird in my garden there was two on Oot Skerries and two at Gulbertson.. Blackcap yesterday and three Goldcrests flitting in my Sycamore tree today..
Waxwing..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Waxwing-a_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Waxwing-b_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Waxwing-c_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Waxwing-d_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Waxwing-e_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Waxwing-f_filtered.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Waxwing-g_filtered.jpg)
george..
-
Pine -Grosbeak.. its been here for a few days in the Northmavine First house past the Collafirth pier, in the conifers..
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/GROSSBILL-10_zps6d561236.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/GROSSBILL-9_zpsd756565f.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/GROSSBILL-8_zpsdf56734d.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/GROSSBILL-6_zps258a06ee.jpg)
(http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz193/georgeg_photo2/Grosbill-2_zps3724c61c.jpg)
george