Tystie at Mousa Broch

 

If there’s one bird that truly encapsulates the rugged charm of Shetland’s coastline, it’s the Black Guillemot, affectionately known there as the Tystie. These striking birds, with their jet-black plumage accented by a bold white wing patch and vibrant red feet, are a common sight in Shetland, yet their presence is anything but ordinary.

It’s easy to overlook these charismatic seabirds when they are so plentiful across the islands, but taking a moment to watch them reveals the delightful quirks that make them special. One of my favourite experiences with Tysties is hearing their high-pitched, squeaky calls—a sound that perfectly matches their lively, almost playful character. These calls aren’t just random noises; they are a vital part of the social interactions among these birds, especially during the breeding season.

During a recent trip to Mousa, an uninhabited island renowned for its well-preserved Iron Age broch, I had the pleasure of observing Tysties in their natural habitat. The broch itself is a fascinating historical structure, towering above the landscape, but it’s the wildlife that really brings the site to life.

Standing on top of the broch, I watched as Tysties darted in and out of their nest hole, located in the ancient stonework. It was a magical scene—ancient history blending seamlessly with the natural world. The birds seemed entirely at home, landing on the broch’s upper stones as if they’d been doing so for centuries.

This experience was a gentle reminder not to take the everyday wonders of nature for granted. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with the new and extraordinary, it’s easy to forget the simple pleasures of watching a common bird in its natural habitat. Yet, these moments of connection with wildlife are what make places like Shetland so special.

For anyone visiting the Shetland Islands, I highly recommend taking the time to watch the Tysties. Whether you’re standing on the windswept cliffs or exploring the ancient ruins, these birds add a layer of life and vibrancy to the landscape that is truly unforgettable.

As a wildlife photographer, it’s experiences like these that inspire me to keep exploring and capturing the beauty of the natural world. The Tysties of Mousa, with their charm and character, are just one example of the incredible wildlife that calls Shetland home.

So next time you’re in Shetland, take a moment to listen for the squeaky calls of the Tystie—you might just find yourself as captivated by these birds as I am.

Sumburgh Puffins

 

I love Shetland and a mid-summer family holiday was one of my best visits yet. These 'golden hour' Puffins were one of my highlights. More to follow. 

Highland Cow cooling off

 

Springtime Long-eared Owls

Earlier this spring, I captured photos of two adult Long-eared Owls in a nearby woodland. Watching their evening routines, from their elegant displays to an intense encounter with an intruding owl, was a photographer's dream. These images showcase the beauty and behaviour of Long-eared Owls in their natural habitat. 

Tooth and Claw

Local Bird of the Year? Stone Curlew

 

Early bird gets the worm! At 7am, my friend Hugh Wright casually posted on our local birding WhatsApp group that he had found a Stone Curlew at Etton & Maxey Pits. An absolute mega record, with perhaps just one confirmed local sighting previously. It remained all day, and I enjoyed some exceptional views of this fantastic bird yesterday evening.

Surprising Summer Sightings: Short-Eared Owls in Fenland

This summer has seen good numbers of Short-eared Owls around my fenland home. Typically, these magnificent yellow-eyed owls are winter visitors, but this year has provided some fantastic opportunities for photography.

One of the most memorable moments was capturing a Short-eared Owl perched on a post adorned with spring blossom. This is not a scene I would usually have the chance to photograph in winter, making it a special highlight of this summer's wildlife photography.

More Badgers

 

A few weeks ago, I had the unique opportunity to observe badgers up close. These wonderful creatures came as close as 7 feet away, allowing for an intimate glimpse into their world. Badgers are typically elusive, making this experience all the more special.

Lapwing Family Caught in a Summer Rainstorm

Summer rainstorms can be sudden and intense, and during one such storm, I came across a Lapwing protecting its chicks. The sight was both amusing and endearing, as the young Lapwings, almost too large to fit, huddled under their parent's wings. Their fluffy backsides stuck out comically, creating a memorable and charming scene.

Greedy Bunting

 

Male Reed Bunting, collecting insects at Deeping Lakes.

Exploring Otter

This Otter is presumably a dog, exploring a well used part of the Welland, where I saw a couple of families as well as this dog during the spring. Check out all the fishes jumping when it enters the river!
 

Young Peregrine

I paid a dawn visit to the Peregrine Falcon family in Yaxley this weekend and was lucky enough to find one of the youngsters low down, perched on St Peter's Church. Shortly afterwards, I found the male Peregrine Falcon plucking prey, which he then fed to this youngster after having his fill. Witnessing these intimate moments in nature is always a privilege.

Lovely Little Owl

The South Lincolnshire fens are home to a fascinating pair of Little Owls that have been captivating my attention since the spring. These diminutive birds, with their distinctive, piercing eyes and speckled feathers, are a delight to observe and photograph. Despite their small size, Little Owls are full of character, and with patience, they can be approached quite closely, allowing for some stunning photographic opportunities.