Most Shetland folk will be aware of the Curlew (‘Whaap’) as a familiar breeding bird of the hills and croftland across the Islands. Less well known is it’s smaller relative: the Whimbrel or ‘Peerie/Tang Whaap’ (to give it it’s Shetland name). The Whimbrel really does probably also deserve the name ‘Shetland Curlew’: over 95% of the total British breeding population occur here! – just over 360 pairs. Although the population here is now pretty stable, numbers have declined by 40-50% since the early 1990’s.
Whimbrel appear at first glance like a small Curlew, but in fact have a shorter bill and obvious striking head pattern. They also have a very distinctive flight call – a piping stream of high-pitched whistles that has earned it the nickname of the ‘Seven Seas Whistler’.
One of the most enchanting aspects of the Whimbrel is its remarkable migration. These medium-sized waders undertake an awe-inspiring journey, flying thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in Shetland and the Arctic tundra to their wintering areas in warmer climates (mainly West Africa), and then returning in spring.
The best time to see Whimbrel in Shetland is when they first arrive to their breeding grounds in late May, and are often vocal when they first get here, looking for prime breeding sites and fending off other Whimbrel to set up breeding territories. They prefer to nest on moorland which is drier than wet ‘blanket bog’, and Shetland's diverse landscape means they are loosely spread throughout the Islands, with particular concentrations on Unst and Whalsay. It is pretty impressive that Whalsay alone supports 6% of the British breeding Whimbrel population!
Virtually any rocky coastlines or sandy shores are also worth a look for Whimbrel as they depart Shetland for their Africa wintering grounds in July and August. Specific locations like Spiggie Beach and the Loch of Spiggie RSPB hide are worth visiting to look for feeding Whimbrel at this time of year.
Whimbrel require global conservation efforts. Threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and disturbances along their migratory routes raise concerns about the future of these remarkable birds. Awareness and conservation initiatives such as habitat enhancement and protection play a vital role in ensuring the Whimbrel's continued presence in Shetland and beyond.
Left photo:Small wet areas or ‘scrapes’ like these on Whalsay are important for Whimbrel, ideally near their breeding habitat. Shallow, muddy fringes allow young Whimbrel chicks access to feed once they leave the nest.
Right photo: Remnant, flooded peat cuttings potentially offer good Whimbrel chick feeding habitat. Some fairly simple ‘re-profiling’ of the edges with diggers can make access to the muddy edges easier and safer for Whimbrel, and also help stop erosion.
Recent sightings
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MousaDunlin, Fulmar, Tystie, Bonxie, Great Black-backed Gull, Wren, Starling, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Shag, Guillemot, Puffin, Razorbill, Hooded Crow, Shelduck, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Wheatear, Red-throated Diver, Ringed Plover
FetlarRinged Plover, Redshank, Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Teal, Mallard, Greylag Goose, Snipe, Dunlin