📖 Shetland to Spain: 17/10/26

Shetland last week to southern Spain, this spontaneous autumn getaway is no hardship when it means housesitting my friend's villa in the hills of Mijas for a couple of weeks, with birding always part of the experience.

It all started Thursday morning, just before dawn. With sunrise coming late at this time of year, around 08:30, I met up with friends Derek and Barbara Etherton for a 07:45 start at Zapata. (Details here) Then I made a first-time stop at the Río Guadalhorce in Aljaima, and finished with a drive around the Río Grande to check its recovery after this year's major flood restructure.

Pre-dawn at Zapata always feels full of promise. Even though most of the summer visitors—including the local Red-necked Nightjars—have already headed across the Straits to Africa, there is never a dull moment.

As we pulled up close to the riverbank, a Black-crowned Night Heron stood completely unperturbed in our car headlights. Then, as the first light broke, the place came to life with droves of Cattle Egrets and Glossy Ibis streaming out of their nearby roosts. Looking up into the pale morning sky, we were treated to passing views of an Osprey, a Booted Eagle, and a high-flying Great Egret. Along the river, both Green and Common Sandpipers were seen, and at one point a Kingfisher flashed through, looking stunning in early morning sun.

One of the eight Yellow Wagtails at Zapata,

While driving the tracks before heading for breakfast, we came across a small fall of Yellow Wagtails, with at least eight in various plumages.  A full species list can be found on my eBird Checklist.

A new place for me at Aljaima and a very productive one!

After breakfast, we made a brief detour to Aljaima along the Río Guadalhorce—a spot I hadn’t visited before. We spent a short but productive half-hour scanning around the weir, which proved to be surprisingly bird-rich for such a quick stop.

Black Stork - One of four at Aljaima.

The highlight of the visit was a group of four Black Storks feeding near the watercourse. Having not recorded Black Storks in this area for a few years, coming across four together was a nice local patch surprise and made the stop thoroughly worthwhile.

Cattle Egret.

In total, we logged 25 species during our half-hour by the river. The water margins and surrounding vegetation produced a fine mix of waders and wetland birds, including Black-winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, and brief flashes of Kingfisher. A vocal Cetti's Warbler called from the dense cover, while Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron and Little Egret completed a nice heron family line-up.  A full species list for the visit can be found on my eBird Checklist.

Our final stop of the day was along the Rio Grande, where we spent a few rewarding hours birding along the gentle flow of the river, which, unlike previous years, still holds water! The water’s edge proved lively right away—Little Ringed Plovers were still actively feeding on the shingle, and it was a real treat to spot a small group of Glossy Ibis probing the shallows with their distinct, decurved bills.

Little-ringed Plover still lingering. 

The surrounding riverside woodlands were equally rewarding with passerines. Exploring the trees and undergrowth turned up a mix of species, including Blackcap, Short-toed Treecreeper, Spotted Flycatcher, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, and Serin. Adding to the excitement was another noticeable fall of migrants, highlighted by a flock of at least forty White Wagtails flitting dynamically around the river banks.

White Wagtail.

Glossy Ibis on the Rio Grande.

Without a doubt, the defining highlight of our time here was witnessing visible migration in action overhead. Looking up, we counted at least 47 Griffon Vultures catching the thermals at various altitudes, all purposefully streaming south toward the coast—a thrilling and unforgettable spectacle to cap off a fantastic day in the field. A full species list for the visit can be found on my eBird Checklist.

One of the many Griffon Vultures - this one at a lower altitude.

📖 Shetland 2026 - Reflections : 15/10/26

Having arrived in Spain a few days ago for my next adventure, I’ve had a chance to reflect on this October’s annual pilgrimage to Shetland. As always, the Northern Isles delivered a cracking week of birding, wrapping up with a respectable 104 species logged across the trip.

While overall bird numbers seemed a bit quieter this autumn and the much-anticipated sustained easterly winds failed to materialise during the stay, the birds on offer were nothing short of brilliant. The Black-faced Bunting was a major highlight of the trip. 

List Milestones & New Additions

The trip yielded two brand-new additions to my Shetland list—which double as additions to my New Scottish List, compiled since moving permanently to Aberdeenshire back in October 2020: American Wigeon & Black-faced Bunting.

These two headline additions officially nudge my New Scottish List up to 290 species.

The Autumn Rarities Catch-Up

Despite the lack of classic easterly drift conditions, persistent field time allowed me to catch up with a formidable array of island rarities and scarce migrants logged across earlier posts:

• Passerines & Warblers: Black-faced Bunting, Arctic Warbler, Western Bonelli's Warbler, Olive-backed Pipit, Barred Warbler, Bluethroat, Little Bunting, Great Grey Shrike, Red-backed Shrike and Red-breasted Flycatcher.

• Waders & Waterfowl: Buff-breasted Sandpiper, American Golden Plover, American Wigeon, and King Eider.

Highlight of the Week: A Classic Autumn Thrush Fall

My absolute favourite day came right near the end. On the penultimate morning, I awoke to the classic Shetland magic: Thousands of thrushes arriving straight in off the sea.

The skies and sycamore patches were alive with calls, dominated heavily by fresh Redwings, intermingled with scattered Fieldfares and a few striking Ring Ouzels. Fittingly, a Ring Ouzel marked my 104th and final species of the Shetland trip before we packed up.

Ring Ouzel, my final addition to my 2026 Shetland List.

Now, it's time to shift focus from northern wind-blown crofts to Mediterranean scrub and wetland reserves as our Spanish leg gets underway!

📖 Shetland 2026 : 09/10/26

The final full day of our Shetland Tour 2026 turned out to be the absolute highlight of the trip, delivering visible migration at its absolute finest. From the moment light broke, thousands of thrushes descended from the skies in every direction. The air was filled with the distinct calls of Redwings, punctuated by the odd Fieldfare and even Ring Ouzel, a few Bramblings were also in the mix.

Sumburgh Head Lighthouse

We originally planned to travel north across the mainland, but the sheer volume of birds kept us grounded in the south. We began at Sumburgh Head, where the influx was in full swing. Word spread quickly when a Black-throated Thrush dropped into the Sumburgh Hotel gardens, triggering a rapid gathering of birders, though the bird departed before our arrival and left nearly everyone frustrated. Nearby at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, we encountered an unusually secretive Little Bunting staying hidden low in the high grass, but patience paid off with a few record shots before moving on.

Little Bunting at Sumburgh Head.

Every field and stretch of grassland across the area seemed to hold hundreds of Redwings, requiring careful scanning of every flock. At Fleck, we had good scoped views of an American Golden Plover resting alongside European Golden Plovers. Being so close to Boddam, we made a quick return trip to check on yesterday’s Bluethroat, which proved far more cooperative this time around and showed exceptionally well.

Bluethroat - Better views on our return visit.

We wrapped up the day back at Hoswick as the light began to fade. After returning to our accommodation, a final scan around the Orca Inn revealed that fresh migrants were still trickling in. Watching three birds drop into a nearby sycamore initially looked like a trio of Blackbirds, but a closer look revealed one to be a striking male Ring Ouzel—a fitting end to an unforgettable day in Shetland.

An interesting-looking Ring Ouzel at Hoswick - My final species of the day.

NEW Scottish Life-List Since Relocating Permanently to Aberdeenshire in October 2020

📖 Shetland 2026 : 08/10/26

Today, Thursday 8th, the unseasonably settled weather held strong again, giving Dazza and me the perfect excuse after breakfast to explore the South Mainland. Shetland autumn birding in calm conditions is hard to beat, and today certainly didn't disappoint.

Our main objective early on was the American Wigeon we had picked up yesterday. Returning to Loch of Spiggie, we were hoping the bird would linger, and it delivered. The drake was very obliging, showing remarkably well close to the hide and giving us a chance to secure a few record shots before moving off.

Drake American Wigeon on Loch Spiggie.

From there, we enjoyed a walk around Scatness, which is always one of Dazza’s favourite spots in Shetland. The highlight was a Great Northern Diver in near-summer plumage close inshore. The species has been surprisingly absent in any great numbers around the Shetland shores during our visit, making this view particularly rewarding.

Great Northern Diver at Scatness.

A short drive around Virkie produced the usual selection of waders working the mudflats. Among them Sanderling, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, and Bar-tailed Godwits, and we managed to spot a single Curlew Sandpiper, which posed long enough for a quick photo.

Curlew Sandpiper at Virkie.

News of a Bluethroat at Fleck tempted us over shortly after. Despite showing well prior to our arrival, the bird had decided to go AWOL, and we spent a pleasant hour searching the area. Eventually, we did manage to catch sight of the elusive target, though a Hedgehog actively feeding in the adjacent garden ended up commanding most of the attention while we waited.

This Bluethroat had suddenly decided to become a little elusive during our search at Fleck today.

This hedgehog kept us amused while we waited for the Bluethroat to show up.

Shetland always seems to throw up a mega during my October week, and early this evening proved no exception. A mega-alert had us driving down to Quendale Mill for a Black-faced Bunting. Although the bird was quite elusive, we managed several views in flight and a few fleeting glances when it appeared in the treetops, marking an exciting new lifer for us both. We finally left the mill just as dark was setting in.

📖 Shetland 2026 : 06-07/10/26

With the weather settling after Monday’s gales, I began Tuesday with my usual pre-breakfast walk around Hoswick. The calmer conditions brought immediate results down along Hoswick Burn—a Yellow-browed Warbler was calling and occasionally giving good views among the cover, while the lingering Pied Flycatcher was still present in the area.

After breakfast, I found myself heading back over to Gott for a Greenish Warbler, and although I heard it calling a few times, I, along with a dozen others, never connected. The majority of Tuesday turned into a proper grind, spending hours working through various habitats without a whole lot to show for the effort. That all changed in the mid-afternoon when news broke of an Arctic Warbler over at Fladdabiter.

I made a quick dash across and settled in for the wait. After what felt like an eternity of scanning, patience paid off—we finally got good views of the bird feeding high up in a sycamore.

Barred Warbler at Hoswick - Looking a little drab after the rain!

To round off the day, reports came in of a Barred Warbler near the Hoswick Visitor Centre, prompting a return to home turf. Dodging heavy showers, I managed some reasonable looks in a local garden, with a bonus Lesser Whitethroat sharing the same spot—a good way to end a tough but rewarding day in the field.

Wednesday morning broke with glorious weather—a promising sign for Dazza’s flight later in the afternoon when she joins me for the rest of the week. With clear skies overnight, my pre-breakfast walk around the village was quieter than usual. The regular Pied Flycatcher had finally moved on, and even the Orca Hotel car park, which my accommodation overlooks and normally holds a selection of common species, was quiet.

The morning highlight came from offshore: a pod of Minke Whales feeding reasonably close in near Mousa. I managed to grab a few decent images as they surfaced.

Minke Whale at Mousa

Dazza’s flight arrived early, aligning perfectly with a flurry of good sightings around Loch of Spiggie. Our first stop yielded a drake American Wigeon on the loch, followed quickly by news of a Western Bonelli’s Warbler just up the road at Skelberry. Another trudge across muddy fields and burns paid off with superb views of both.

Western Bonelli's Warbler - A few record shots 

Before heading back, I spent an hour working a crop field near the loch—while Dazza caught up on a conference call from the car (we’ll keep that quiet!). The walk was well worth the effort, turning up Linnet (a scarce species up here in Shetland), a flock of Twite, and a stunning Red-backed Shrike to round off a fantastic afternoon.

Red-backed Shrike - A good end to the day.

📖 Shetland 2026 : 04-05/10/26

The last few days have remained relatively quiet, at least by Shetland's standards. Today, Monday 5th, ferocious winds battered the island, with gusts over 50 mph, making field birding a proper test of endurance.

Sunday 4th started quietly enough with another first-light walk around Hoswick. Little had changed since the previous day, though the reliable Pied Flycatcher was seen once again, happily feeding along Hoswick Burn.

This Pied Flycatcher has remained along Hoswick Burn since I arrived on Friday.

The real morning highlight came at Fleck, where two Buff-breasted Sandpipers were feeding remarkably close to the roadside alongside a mix of Golden Plover and Ruff. A subsequent high-tide drive around the Pool of Virkie yielded a Pale-bellied Brent Goose. Later in the day, after missing it yesterday, I was thrilled to finally catch up with the Great Grey Shrike at Bixter—even if it insisted on staying somewhat distant throughout the encounter. Since moving to Scotland 6 years ago, I've only seen two of these predatory songbirds, both in Shetland.

One of two Buff-breasted Sandpipers along the roadside near Fleck.

Monday dictated a slightly later start given the severe conditions. I decided to head up to Sumburgh Head to see if a brief seawatch might produce anything interesting during the gale. Watching Northern Gannets plunge-diving into the whitecaps is always a breathtaking sight. The highlight was a flock of at least fifty Barnacle Geese battling their way in off the open sea, fighting hard against the prevailing winds.

Leaving Sumburgh, I made another pass around the Pool of Virkie with the tide nearly in. It proved worthwhile, turning up a single Curlew Sandpiper amidst a mix of Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, and a solitary Sanderling.

A Sanderling at Virkie taken from the car.

By afternoon, I set off toward the Busta House Hotel near Brae to search for a reported Red-breasted Flycatcher. En route, news broke of an Arctic Warbler at Gott. Being only five miles away, I diverted immediately and joined the crowd of onlookers. Despite an hour of searching, the warbler gave us all the slip, although I read it had been seen again later, albeit briefly. I resumed the journey north to Busta House, where I was rewarded with good views of the Red-breasted Flycatcher—a brilliant highlight to wrap up a challenging, wind-swept day.

Red-breasted Flycatcher showing some of its downy base feathers.

Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Virkie.

Record shot of the distant Great Grey Shrike.

📖 Shetland 2026 : 02-03/10/26

I arrived at Sumburgh on Friday’s 6:30 Loganair flight from Aberdeen, a quick 50-minute trip compared to the 14-hour ferry crossing. Half an hour later, I was back on the road for my sixth consecutive October week in Shetland. This year, I’m staying in Hoswick—one of my favourite spots on the islands. With its sheltered gardens, sycamores, and coastal cover, it’s a classic east-coast migrant trap where every hedge feels full of possibility.

My accommodation for the week

Unfortunately, A look at the long-range weather forecast brings a classic Shetland reality check: steady south-westerlies with no sign of the easterly flow every autumn birder hopes for.

Still, if six years here have taught me anything, it's that these islands always deliver. Westerlies just mean checking the coastal voes, working the cover a little harder, and keeping an eye out for Nearctic strays, so let’s see what’s out there.

A Pied Flycatcher feeding low in the willow along Hoswick Burn.

After my first two days, a first-light routine is already locked in. The morning starts with a sweep of the local gardens and a walk down the Hoswick Burn—which separates Hoswick from Sandwick as it meanders through the valley—before tracking its final stretch across the pebble beach into the bay.

A Whinchat along Hoswick Burn

Highlights thus far around the village have included a Barred Warbler along the burn, along with other common migrants such as Pied Flycatcher, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Whinchat. I'm also surprised at the number of Swallows still around! Redwings and Brambling have been arriving, and both Whooper Swans and Pink-footed Geese are already here. A Merlin has been actively chasing Meadow Pipits, and the local Ravens are regularly cronking overhead, one in particular seen chasing a Sparrowhawk across the rooftops on Saturday morning.

This Queen Eider at Lerwick 

Further afield, I had great views of this Queen Eider at The Knab, Lerwick, in among Common Eiders on Saturday afternoon.

Apparent 1st-winter Siberian Stonechat

Just a five-minute drive from my accommodation at Levenwick, and after two attempts I eventually caught up with an apparent 1st-winter West Siberian Stonechat. Which I believe is a bird that breeds from European Russia east through Western Siberia. Fortunately, the bird perched briefly on the fence line, allowing for a few images before moving out of sight.

A stop at Wester Quarff for a Firecrest. In this instance, I was particularly lucky as, just after arriving, the bird flew into the open and perched at the base of the branches of a sycamore, giving brief but excellent views. I also struck lucky when I arrived late in the day for an Olive-backed Pipit. Interestingly, in the same garden where I saw a Yellow-rumped Warbler in 2022. In the pouring rain and poor light, the bird emerged from the base of a 'spider plant' to offer great views of the facial and breast features. A good end to my first few days.

Of course, autumn birding on Shetland wouldn't be complete without a reminder of how quickly opportunities slip away. My 'dip of the day' was a Great Grey Shrike near Bixter. I arrived shortly after it had been reported perching on a fence line, only to learn it had just glided off across the open moor. Despite a thorough search, it was lost to sight with no further sign.

📖 Syke's Warbler - Torry: 01/10/26

Just when I thought the day was done after my previous post, news broke yesterday evening that sent a surge of adrenaline through the local birding scene: a rare Sykes’s Warbler had been discovered just east of the allotments at Girdleness by Mark Lewis! With the sun already setting, heading back out wasn't an option.

Notwithstanding, I was back on site at first light, joining a crowd of at least 20 eager birders—a remarkably large contingent by local standards. Thankfully, I picked up the bird almost immediately upon arrival, though it proved elusive early on, skulking through the cover and testing everyone's patience.

Syke's Warbler

Persistence ultimately won out. The Sykes’s Warbler eventually gave fantastic, open views, allowing me to secure a few clean photographs of this stunning vagrant. Breeding in Central Asia and typically wintering across the Indian peninsula, it is an incredible bird to catch on home turf!

Syke's Warbler again from the shoreline willow.

After a 90-minute gathering, I headed off for a wander around the shoreline with Liz Summerfield to see what else was about. It was a good morning of birding, and astonishingly, I came across the Skykes once more in willow along the shoreline. The bird must have dropped down for a brief sorte from its favoured area, which was around 100 yards away. I even managed a few more images.

Whinchat at Torry Car Park

Whinchat

This Yellow-browed Warbler proved a little challenging for a photo.

Also of note before heading off were: Yellow-browed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and a very showy Whinchat in the lower west car park at Torry. Now I really must prepare for tomorrow's trip to Shetland.

NEW Scottish Life-List Since Relocating Permanently to Aberdeenshire in October 2020

📖 Visible Migration: 30/09/26

The heavy, damp wind from the southeast had set the stage overnight, and as I pulled up to Girdleness this morning, everything about the weather screamed migration. Low grey clouds hung heavy over the coast, framed by a stiff breeze and occasional driving showers, with the sea battering the breakers. I’d hurried over after a report of a Rustic Bunting popped up, another great find by Andrew Whitehouse, and I was hoping to connect with it before heading north for my annual trip to Shetland on Friday.

Stepping out into the coastal air, the place's energy was palpable. Sheer numbers of Meadow Pipits blanketed the golf course, while overhead, a steady stream of thrushes cut through the gloom, tumbling in directly off the sea. It was visible migration at its absolute finest—the kind of raw, dynamic birding that makes mornings in bad weather entirely worth it.

I eventually bumped into Mark Sullivan and Ian Broadbent, who were also scanning the turf and scrub for the Rustic Bunting. While the target bird eluded us, their persistence had already paid off with a Lapland Bunting. As luck would have it, the bird flushed right in front of me the moment I arrived, took flight with its distinct call, and disappeared low over the links. Talk about immaculate timing.

For the next ninety minutes, I threw myself into the pulse of the arrival. Every bush was systematically searched, and every single pipit was scrutinised in the hopes of picking out a gem. Though the Rustic Bunting eluded us all, the sheer variety moving through the coastal patch was staggering. Waves of Song Thrushes and scattered Redwings and Blackbirds continued to drop in, and by the time I headed back to the car I'd encountered Yellow-browed Warbler, Garden Warblers, Blackcaps, Wheatears and my first Brambling of the season. 

It was an electric, utterly absorbing session—exactly the sort of grounded, high-anticipation birding I enjoy. If this morning at Girdleness was just the warm-up act, I can’t wait to see what Shetland has waiting for me in a couple of days.

📖 Wader-Quest: 23/09/26

Leaving the house in near-torrential rain, I took a leap of faith. A quick check of the previous night’s local forecast and the morning’s rain radar gave me just enough confidence that the storm would clear by the time I reached Cairnbulg for the 10 a.m. RSPB Local Group outing. Honestly, given the dire conditions, I wasn't expecting much of a crowd—so it was a nice surprise when ten hardy souls turned up, ready to brave the gloom and heavy rain for a proper wader hunt! 

Today's group on Inverollachy Beach

We set off along the shoreline toward the Water of Philorth, and our perseverance was soon rewarded. Redshanks, Curlews, and Dunlins were feeding along the shore. Suddenly, two small waders with striking white rumps zipped past us, heading back toward the car park before disappearing—Curlew Sandpipers. Unfortunately, only a few members of the group managed to spot them.

A scan of the rocks revealed Turnstones, Oystercatchers, and two roosting Bar-tailed Godwits. Flitting among the washed-up seaweed were Starlings, numerous Rock Pipits, and a single Wheatear. Remarkably, as the rain began to ease, a Skylark soared overhead, singing in full voice! Additionally, a group of five Snipe flew over the harbour.

Bar-tailed Godwit

At the mouth of the Philorth River, there was a raft of Eiders on the water, alongside a large gathering of gulls that included Great Black-backed, Herring, Common, and Black-headed gulls. Resting on the nearby beach was a small group of terns, primarily consisting of Sandwich Terns, with a few juvenile Arctic Terns among them.

At this point, the weather improved: the rain subsided, and patches of blue sky began to appear. As we retraced our steps, we spotted a Knot feeding alongside the Dunlins, providing everyone with an excellent side-by-side comparison of the two species.

We checked the eastern side of the harbour in hopes of refinding the Curlew Sandpipers, but with no luck. Instead, we spent a wonderful stretch of time watching Gannets in every stage of plumage—from all-brown juveniles to striking full adults—diving into the open sea. Nearby, Cormorants and Shags adorned the rusting shipwreck on the rocks.

Juvenile Gannet

Deciding to squeeze a bit more out of the trip, we drove the short distance over to Inverallochy to check the shoreline there. We first scanned the high-tide roosting rocks, picking out a couple of Curlews and Oystercatchers. Then came the bird of the day. Cruising past at relatively close range, a Sooty Shearwater came into view. The sheer proximity allowed everyone in the group to get good, clear views of this true oceanic wanderer—marking a memorable "lifer" for a few of the group!

Gulls in anticipation!

Continuing along the edge of the golf course, we watched in awe as a Peregrine swooped in, plucked a stricken wader straight off the surface of the sea, and carried its catch away into the dunes. A Red-throated Diver flew south, while a flock of Golden Plover rested on the rocks alongside a few Ringed Plover. Most notable was a group of nine Bar-tailed Godwits—quite a large count for this site. We had planned to walk the beach to scan the gull flock, but a dog walker with four unleashed dogs reached the shore just ahead of us, scattering the roost before we could get a look.

Oystercatchers & Gold Plover

Returning to the cars for a well-earned lunch, we decided on a slight change of plans. We headed back to Cairnbulg Harbour and retraced a stretch of the shoreline to see if any new waders had moved in. A pair of Red-breasted Mergansers flew past, and scanning a flock of Black-headed Gulls revealed two first-winter Mediterranean Gulls among them. As we stood watching the water and hoping for a surprise, a small raptor shot past right in front of us—a lightning-fast Merlin!

Thoroughly satisfied with the coastal action, we made our way to RSPB Loch of Strathbeg for a change of habitat. 

One of the four Great White Egrets seen today.

From the visitor centre, the reserve immediately delivered in style. We were treated to a family of Cranes—two adults and a juvenile—along with four Great White Egrets standing out on Starnafin Pools. Up above, a count of three Marsh Harriers: likely the resident female and the two juveniles fledged on the reserve this year. Lapwings were added to our growing wader tally, and in the distant fields and main loch we noted Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swans. There were also a few passing Swallows during our stay.

Common Crane - Juvenile in centre!

After the group finally left, I took a stroll to the hides. Where I came across a large flock of Tree Sparrows among the Hawthorn, a regular find here, plus a singing Chiffchaff, and I enjoyed better views of the Cranes.