📖 Shetland 2025 Update 1

Saturday, 4th October 2025, 💨💨 🌨️ 13c ~ Wind WNW @ 45+mph ~ Since my accommodation isn't available until today, I stayed at the Brae Hotel last night. After spending a night buffeted by Storm Amy, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the weather had considerably improved by the time I packed my gear into the car, even though it was still blowing a hoolie.

With the break in the weather, I decided to start my day with a brief walk around Brae Community Woodland. Over the years, this woodland has yielded some remarkable rarities, so I thought it was worth a try. Initially, it was quite quiet, and I could hear Siskins in the treetops, along with a few skeins of Pink-footed Geese and several Redwings flying overhead. The highlight of my walk was my first Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn.

From Brae, I decided to drive over to Billister to look for a Rustic Bunting that had been reported the previous day. Unfortunately, despite checking the ditches and gardens, I was unable to locate it. As I was leaving, there was a report of a possible Spotted Sandpiper at Sound in Lerwick, so I headed that way. Unfortunately, it was never relocated.

Next, a report of an Ortolan Bunting at Ireland. When I arrived, there were about a dozen birders, but there had been no sign. Another problem was the large flock of Twite feeding in the crop field, a needle in a haystack perhaps. I was told that birds would occasionally land on the roadside, so I headed back to the car for a vigil protected from the heavy showers. It would also be good for my dodgy ankle. Several Twite did in fact land both on the fences and road, but no sign of the target bird. Then, after about an hour, it was found perched on a fence! I did manage a record shot of the bird looking totally fed up and very wet. 

Ortolan Bunting - Not looking too happy about  being in Shetland

My final stop was at Spiggie Loch Hide to look for the long-staying Blue-winged Teal. It was a good choice as the weather had deteriorated quite quickly. I managed to get my duck species tally going, which included a few Greater Scaup but no sign of the Teal. So I headed to Tesco's and on to my accommodation at Tresta for the week. I was pleased that my ankle was holding up well.

📖 Shetland 2025

This will be my fifth consecutive October in Shetland, and if I go, it's likely to be a different experience than in the past. As my reader may know, I have been struggling with issues in my left ankle for some time. After numerous doctor's appointments, X-rays, and various blood tests without a clear diagnosis, I faced long waits with the Scottish NHS for further consultation. Eventually, I decided to go private and paid for both a consultation and an MRI scan out of my own pocket. It turns out that I've been walking around all this time with a stress fracture! Honestly, it came as no surprise!

In the past few weeks, I have been using a non-weight-bearing boot and ankle strap while mostly staying at home, and I have already noticed significant improvement. Then, to consider whether to cancel my trip to Shetland or take the risk. After discussing it with Dazza, we came up with a plan. I drive an automatic car at home, and rent a similar one while in Shetland, so driving won't be an issue. The main change involves deciding which birds to observe and the walking needed to find them. With caution in mind, I chose to go out; in fact, I'm already here, but it wasn't without its challenges.

I was scheduled to fly today, Saturday, October 4th, but with Storm Amy approaching, I was hopeful that Loganair would offer me the opportunity to change my flight to yesterday morning, Friday, at no extra cost. Given the circumstances, that was an obvious choice, and my flight arrived on time. As I write from my hotel room, the wind is howling, the rain is pouring, and all ferries to and from Shetland, including all flights to the island, have been cancelled until Sunday. It was a no-brainer!

I'm even considering that it's fate that brought me here. My very first bird sighting on this year's visit was a Siberian Thrush at the Loch of Asta—a lifer for me! I spent an hour watching the elder tree where this elusive bird likes to feed. Although I only saw it for about 45 seconds, it was a stunning sight, and I had a great view. Even better, it was just below where I parked. 

Let’s see how things go over the next week. You never know what this storm may drop in, and as always, Dazza will be joining me from Wednesday on.