Shetland Nature

27/10/2026

A short iPhone clip, shot by James whilst guiding one of our otter photography days last week. At first glance you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a mum and three cubs. However, there are two adults here and only two cubs. The fluidity of Eurasian otter social dynamics is one of the most fascinating aspects of their behaviour. No two days watching them are the same.

24/10/2026

The fabulous Chestnut Bunting is still present today in Baltasound. It is remarkable how its behaviour has changed during the week, from being so mobile initially, often disappearing for long periods earlier in the week to now appearing completely oblivious to its admirers- this video for example, was filmed by Brydon on his iPhone!
We’d like to say a big thank you to the many birders that have visited the site for keeping to access instructions.

24/10/2026

The marvellous little Chestnut Bunting discovered by Brydon last weekend whilst walking their family dog, Jango continued to delight birders on Unst through the week and was still present yesterday. Read more on this Shetland News story….

For the third time this autumn, Shetland has set the UK birding scene ablaze with what has been described by insiders as “another mega rarity”.

The Chestnut Bunting found in Baltasound by Unst-based naturalist Brydon Thomason is the first time the species has been recorded in Shetland, and only the second time it has been recorded in Britain.

The only other accepted record on the British list was on Papa Westray in October 2015.

Read more here: https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2026/10/23/chestnut-bunting-adds-list-mega/

18/10/2026

Setting out for a dog walk just after 4pm, Brydon didn’t expect that going through autopilot motion to kick any interesting migrant bird out rank grass would give anything, let alone this- CHESTNUT BUNTING!! 🤯🥳 The second for Britain (though there has been adults that were not accepted) and first for Shetland. Massive thanks to team effort- Dave Cooper, Mike Pennington and Richard Fairbank for helping pin down and nail ID, against the clock before sundown! All images were by them- as I was out walking Jango, I hadn’t taken camera!

17/10/2026

This gorgeous Red-flanked Bluetail was an exciting discovery for Brydon yesterday, on his local patch, in Halligarth wood, next door to his house. Though it is most likely the same bird found at Burrafirth earlier in the week, the charismatic ‘Bluetail’ is pulse-raising find under any circumstances. Historically, this was once one of the most sought after vagrants from Siberia. A steady increase in British records that began a couple of decades ago, has seen their status change considerably, though as most birders would surely agree, their value never will!

15/10/2026

Autumn migration this season has so far been unusually slow for common and scarce migrants in Shetland. True to form for our isles however, there has been some amazing birds discovered, and as so often tends to be the case, from all corners here are a few of the best birds over the past week or so.
From Siberia, and one of the most sought after Shetland specialities, Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler; from Arctic Greenland, Hornemann’s Arctic Redpoll; from North America, Grey-cheeked Thrush and from southeastern Europe, Middle East and Asia, Isabeline Wheatear. The latter, along with the Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler were both discoveries for our team member, Dave Cooper, along with Richard Fairbank.
With another month at least remaining, it’s such an exciting atmosphere here in the isles, the anticipation of what’s yet to come? We certainly hoping especially for some good numbers and diversity of common birds passing through as there are few finer birding spectacles than a good fall of continental songbirds.

📷 Image credits:
Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler, Mike Carr.
Hornemann’s Arctic Redpoll and Grey-cheeked Thrush, Jim Nicolson.
Isabeline Wheatear, Dave Coooer.

12/10/2026

Congratulations to our very good friends and operators of all our world-class Noss charters Shetland Seabird Tours - The Noss Boat on this amazing achievement.

🏆 Huge congratulations to Shetland Seabird Tours – Noss Boat, winner of the Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience Award

This award celebrates outstanding outdoor experiences that bring visitors closer to the natural world, and Shetland Seabird Tours – Noss Boat offers a wonderful way to discover the remarkable wildlife and coastal scenery of Shetland. This achievement highlights the appeal of nature-based experiences that allow visitors to appreciate the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife of the Highlands and Islands.

Many thanks to Alliance Scotland and The Full Range Ltd for sponsoring this category and supporting the recognition of exceptional outdoor and adventure experiences.

The HITA Awards are proudly sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, and we are delighted to have their support in celebrating the businesses creating memorable visitor experiences across our region.

Shetland Seabird Tours - The Noss Boat The Royal Bank of Scotland The Full Range Ltd

11/10/2026

These were the scenes over our amazing accommodation at Westing, Unst last night. The Shetland skies were beautifully lit up with a magnificent display of ‘da mirrie dancers’, or aurora borealis.

We can’t unfortunately guarantee you skies like these, but we the comfort and stunning views!

Availability for last week October 25th to 31st and currently, following a cancellation, most of November.

If you fancy an autumn retreat to Shetlands most northerly island, enjoying the fabulous creature comforts of these amazing properties, please do get in touch. Week-long or short stays available.


See comments for more info

07/10/2026