Firstly, apologies for the lack of updates here lately. Have you missed us??
It's been all go here in Shetland, with literal and metaphorical highs and lows. In the last couple of months our work has taken us low to beneath the sea (via hydrophone on a Chris Watson sound recording course, run with our Shetland Nature Festival partners as a part of the Year of Natural Scotland) to the islands' highest point (partnership work with Shetland Islands Council inspired by John Muir taking Anderson High School pupils up Ronas Hill) .
This past weekend there was sad and good news.
The sad news was that the Puffincam chick has not made an appearance this year. It appears that a problem developed around hatching time and the chick did not survive. It's looking like a very poor year for our breeding seabirds here in Shetland, and we'll update you as the season progresses.
The good news was that our Loch of Spiggie whooper swans have brought out four cygnets. They're small and vulnerable and gorgeous. If you are visiting Spiggie, please look from the roadside rather than accessing the lochside.
I hope we see you at one of our reserves or events in the next few weeks!
Best wishes
Helen
In Shetland at present and enjoying the lovely weather. Have managed to see a lovely variety of old and new birds! For me some of the new sights have been:- Whinchat Rock Pippit, Grey Phalarope (i think!)and Great Skua on Bressay. Still got 4 more days to go so here's hoping i'll catch some more wonderful sightings.
Derry