Fulmar, Sumburgh Head, Shetland

Tengmalm's Owl, Shetland

On the 19th February, a Tengmalm's Owl was found in Shetland. I have to admit I was tempted. The photos alone were amazing and the fact I needed it for planet Earth and it was at my favourite set of Islands in the world, were all big draws for me. However, circumstances meant I bottled it and didn't go. Sadly, it disappeared on the night of the 2nd March, never to be seen again.... until...

I was browsing the web on Tuesday 9th April and came across Josh Jones' blog post about his Tengmalm's twitch. I hadn't looked at it previously because it was, I admit, too painful. Thoughts went through my head like 'I wish I had gone' and 'I would definitely go if it reappeared'. To my surprise the following day- it did!

What to do? Well it's clearly been in the same garden for over a month, so the risk of it leaving seemed low so I had not choice... flights and car hire were booked and it was with excitement and nerves I waited in Aberdeen airport on Saturday 13th. News broke just before I boarded, it was still there- I couldn't have been more delighted! Nor more exhausted having driven up to Aberdeen overnight on one and a half hours sleep.

Arriving in Shetland, the views were amazing in the incredible spring sunshine. I quickly arrived on site. The views of the bird were poor to say the least, but at least I had seen it! I decided to go and get food and accommodation which turned into a wee afternoon nap.

I arrived back on site late afternoon and the bird was still in the same tree, however it preened a bit more and at times you could see a bit more. It wasn't until after 8pm that the bird woke up properly but the light had gone for photography but the views were exceptional.

The next day the bird had moved to Unst, clearly migrating back north and east and the following day had gone entirely- my thoughts that the risk was low were wrong. I was lucky but I am exceedingly glad to have gone and seen yet another mega Owl on Shetland.

White-spotted Bluethroat

This singing White-spotted Bluethroat was found by Mike Weedon last year in north Cambs. I don't think there was any chance of breeding but the site only had parking for three cars so couldn't possibly hold a wider twitch so at the request of the land owners, the location wasn't publicised. Bizarrely I hadn't edited these photos until this evening, taken at dawn, the day after Mike had first heard it singing.

Red-throated Diver find

Having had a bit of an exhausting day I nearly didn't go Deeping Highbank way home this afternoon. I'm glad I did as I stumbled upon my third ever local Red-throated Diver (and my first Diver find of any flavour locally). Usually coastal in the winter, presumably this morning's fog caught this beast off guard. It was very obliging and calling frequently. Having found it at 15.35, after a preen, a flap and bathe it flew off upstream at around 16.25 and despite an extensive search I couldn't relocate it.

Cattle Egrets

We have been a bit slow in going for the three Cattle Egrets near Ramsey in Cambridgeshire. Turns out they are pretty showy and in the Peterborough recording area- though only by a few metres!

Peterborough-on-Sea

From the above photos of two coastal species, you can believe Peterborough was by the sea this weekend. The Common Scoter was found by Hugh Wright  today (Sunday 10th) Maxey Gravel Pits-a good month before we usually get inland Scoters as the move between the Seven and Wash.

The Common Seal was found by my Dad on January 1st from a moving car at the Dog in a Doublet, near Whittlesey. At the time we were partaking in a 'big day' (seeing as many species of bird as possible in a day) we had no time to stop. Over a month later this marine animal is still seemingly enjoying life over 25 miles inland.

Waxwing overload

A 'few' more photos from Saturday of Werrington's current celeb Scandinavian Pretty Boys.

Marsh Harrier roost

A pretty reasonably weekend. Saw the 15 White-fronts found by Josh at Baston & Langtoft GP, photographed the Waxwings in Werrington and had 5 Long-eared Owls at Deeping Lakes. Finished Sunday with the Harrier roost at Titchwell- incredible scenes, 38 Marsh Harriers in the air together. With others arriving afterwards, there were easily 50 birds. Plus two Hen Harriers and a Woodcock feeding in the undergrowth on the walk back to the car (the first time I have seen one actually feeding!).

Waxwing lyrical

The pair of Waxwings in Werrington were found by John Saunders on Monday but became more elusive on Thursday and Friday so it was great to hear from John on Saturday (02.02.19) to say they were still present. Incredibly confiding and proved popular with Joe Public and birders alike. As ever, click for bigger images.