It's been blowing a gale here for a few days now - which brings both good and bad things. As it's been southeasterlies, it was good for bringing in some migrants. Newton, Rob, Gary and I spent an hour or so looking in the quarry near Sumburgh Head for a mystery warbler. Whilst trying to get a decent view of the peerie (small) blighter we managed to enjoy seeing blackcaps, garden warblers, a barred warbler, a willow warbler, pied flycatchers, redstart, kestrel, yellow wagtail and see a fulmar fledge from the cliff-face. Not bad for an area around the size of a tennis court. Gary (who volunteers with us when he can) managed to get a couple of photos of the mystery warbler the next day and identified it as a reed warbler.
The easterly winds have been bad for whipping up the sea. This proved a big problem as there is a massive mammal in trouble off our eastern shores. A humpback whale had gotten entangled in creel ropes. Our colleagues at SNH and Scottish SPCA have been very busy trying to work out what to do to help the large cetacean. The strength of the wind and rough seas meant it simply was too dangerous to approach, and folk wouldn't want to further distress the animal. As much as everyone wishes to help the stricken animal, human life cannot be risked. Today however, the whale has disappeared. Whether it has managed to release itself or has lost its battle we do not know. Here's hoping that it is ok.
I decided not to go and look at the whale yesterday. If I could have been of some assistance, I would have gone without hesitation. However, I didn't want to see something in distress that I couldn't help. I have many fond memories of watching humpbacks from Sumburgh Head back in the 1990s. My first and last times are most memorable. The first time, I was getting ready for a night out with my pals at the North Star (my all time favourite Sheltand night spot which is now closed) in Lerwick. However, my mother had heard of a humpback being spotted at Sumburgh Head. So, with glad rags on, we headed up to the reserve car park and found a small crowd of folk, all eyes to the sea. After a moment, I saw it. Off in the distance a humpback whale breaching. And again. And again, with a couple of Minke's were to the north of it as well. I was surprised at how I felt when witnessing the humpback. I can't quite put it into words. It was rather emotional, a deep warmth and kind of dizziness in my tummy, and feeling of awe and privilege. The last time I saw humpbacks must've been around 1997 or so. There were two surfacing side by side in flat calm waters, just off Compass Head (a little north of Sumburgh, with the radar things on it). The experience wasn't so dramatic as the first, but was peaceful and just lovely. There's always the chance of seeing sea mammals here in Shetland, from killer whales (orca) to harbour porpoises, bearded seals to sperm whales. It's great.
The wind means we couldn't get to Mousa at all in the last few days. We were hoping to join the Shetland Ringing Group who monitor storm petrel chicks annually. Isn't it amazing that there are still tiny chicks here at this time of year? I think "Stormy Day" is my favourite day of the year. Finger's crossed for Sunday, when the wind may ease.
Hope your weekend brings you lots of wildness
Cheers eenoo fae Helen