Thursday, 27 August 2009

Crossbills - Wave Two.

An early start around South Mainland, following south-easterlies and rain last night - 6 Sanderling on West Voe beach, a male Crossbill at the Sumburgh Hotel + 16 Black-tailed Godwits over, 4 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Whinchat and another Crossbill at Grutness, a Swift, a Willow Warbler and a Tree Pipit at the Farm, a Greenshank on Pool of Virkie, 10 Crossbills and 2 Willow Warblers at Levenwick, and a very elusive Wryneck at Geosetter. The Crossbills at Levenwick were feeding on Rose hips and Thistle heads, pretty much as expected, but the one at the Hotel seemed to be feeding on the Lichen on the roof ! Not sure how much sustenance a Crossbill would get from this, but Reindeer seem to do alright eating Lichens (tho' probably not off hotel roofs !).




Sanderling (demonstrating the phrase 'chasing your own shadow').

Eider.



Male Crossbill.


Female Crossbill.

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