I have been on leave for a few days so this blog has little to do with RSPB work. I thought I ought to give you a quick update on what's been going on in the south end of Shetland.
A couple of weeks back, we had our local WEX club monthly meeting. With fellow volunteers and a dozen willing Wildlife Explorers, we went birdwatching around Sumburgh. At Sumburgh Hotel, we immediately saw a blackcap. A flighty wee fellow he was, so we spent a little time looking around the gardens to see what autumn birds might be feasting upon. You can't beat a spot of bughunting with young children. I had a moment of panic though, when a three year old passed me a forkytail (earwig). Waaaaargh!! I think I deserve a medal actually, as I am more than a bit squeemish with them. However, I had to make a split second decision and keep calm my nerves so not to put the children off for life by fleeing in a girly panic. They are pretty cool insects actually.
We proceeded along to Grutness, seeing dunlin, sanderling and turnstones and went up the road towards Sumburgh Head seeing a colourful array of waxcaps. At the quarry (a well known spot for spotting migrant birds), we managed to get great views of a wryneck - what a bird! A couple of other migrants were around - blackcap, robin and blackbirds - which was great for all to see.
Yesterday it was unseasonably warm and sunny and my day was spent relocating daffodil bulbs, making me look forwards to the yellow of spring. Every now and then I was joined in the garden by a goldcrest and yellow-browed warbler. Both beautiful peerie birds which I am delighted to see. As much as I love "my" garden regulars (starlings and sparrows), it is great to see the odd migrant to brighten up the autumn.
I hope you have some colourful visitors to your garden to brighten these shortening days.
Helen