A Score at Skaw . . .

I had an excellent trip to Unst yesterday to catch up with a Two-barred Crossbill which incredibly was a British tick for me, having never gone for one and never been on Shetland when there have been influxes. The day was made extra special by news that the Baltimore Oriole had been relocated at Halligarth - so I just had to call in to see this sculking individual before heading to Skaw for the Crossbill. . . . no photos so I have added a smart Snow Bunting I took whilst looking for the Two-barred at Skaw.

Delighted to receive my Shetland Bird Report 2012 yesterday & see that I have the front cover shot!

Me, Phil and our Autumn 2013 birding group of 11 enjoying dinner at the Sumburgh Hotel - thank you all for  making this 10 day Fair Isle and Shetland trip such a fun and memorable one!
Our 10 day trip was full of highlights including Bonelli's Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Western Subalpine Warbler, Red-backed Shrike x 2, Red-breasted Flycatcher x 2,  Bluethroat, flocks of Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting & over 20 Yellow-browed Warblers as well as a great Minke Whale!!

Birding Fair Isle with Sheep Rock and Rainbow backdrop

Watching the plane coming in before we birded the airstrip & Homisdale.