Sunday, May 26, 2013

Singing Willow Warbler! Video and other birds

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
it's rare to here migrating birds sing on Fair Isle...
but it was such a warm and lovely day everyone felt like singing.



Watch Video! and turn up the screen quality.
sound so sweet!


Video was taken in my hedge at the Auld Haa House.

Bluethroat

Kiss! Kiss! blowing kisses on your tummy.

Shetland Bee

Subalpine Warbler - female

Ring Ouzel 
 I don't think anyone saw the Tick near it's eye until after it was let go.

Greenland Wheatear

Red-backed Shrike - male
Tree Sparrow - 1 of 4 briefly seen in my garden.


Monday, May 20, 2013

Paul Rapp goes Blotto on Fair Isle

Paul Rapp aka F Lee Harvey Blotto 

Loving Fair Isle!



My friend Paul came to visit Fair Isle.
 He has the distinction of being the drummer for the 1980's band "Blotto"
though now he spend more time as an entertainment lawyer.
The video above was played the very first day MTV was on air.

I also just learned the little know fact that was Paul was the first person ever to be seen wearing a speedo swimsuit on MTV. I think my post on Celebrity Getaways is working already.


The Auld Haa House where Paul was our guest.

Up top Malcombs Head

Putting on the 3rd green, the Hole know as The Fish Dryer.

Playing around on the Fair Isle Light House Keepers Golf Course.
"playing 4 holes here are like playing 18 elsewhere... and you have to try not to hit the sheep!"

Up top the South Lighthouse

View from the South Lighthouse tower.

Climbing down the South Light House tower.

The fog rocks & rolls in.

  Practise set with Fair Isle's Neil Thomson & Ramparts in the garage at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory.
"Those drums have never been hit so hard!"

Made a few new friends & fans.
Away this foggy morning on the Good Shepherd, the Fair Isle Ferry.

Please come Baa-aack!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Bluethroat and Orcas

Bluethroat - Luscinia svecica
Found on the South Harbour Beach on a grey foggy day.

Sweet little guy,  isn't he?



Watch the video!






Ortolan Bunting also on the South Harbour Beach

Van load of birders.

Lambinated 

Puffin

Puffin's view of the Gannet Colony

Gannet Colony

Birders David & Mark




           

Video of Orcas or Killer Whales

Friday, May 17, 2013

The Auld Haafinch


Hawfinch Coccothraustes Coccothraustes
My house is called the Auld Haa and when ever we see a Hawfinch we always call it an Auld Haafinch!
We do have a few birds stopping by in Spring & Autumn migration.
Here are a few photos of a female Hawfinch showing her larger than life personality. 

















Monday, May 13, 2013

Ortolan Bunting and other Migrant Birds

Maavi on Sheep Rock?
Hey Neil... Henry & I see it. the face of "Maavi's Tongue"
(If you don't know what I'm talking about, don't worry I can't explain it either.)

Henry looking for Dotterel

Ortolan Bunting - South Harbour Beach

Auld Haafinch

Female - Blackcap

Lesser Whitethroat

2 of Jimmy's Lambs on Meoness

Sedge Warbler

Red Backed Shrike

Will Miles counting birds looking down into the South Harbour...
not such a bad job when the sun is out.