https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
On returning home from work, there was an unexpected package delivered through my letterbox – it was a pair of green trimmed black leather driving gloves! At this point I had no idea who had sent these – I was just about to ring Vivien to tell her this, when I noticed I had a message on my phone from our dear family friend Malcolm saying 'do they fit.....?' I phoned Malcolm straight away to thank him for my lovely surprise – made my day! 😃
It was wall to wall sunshine all day here. Weirdly fell asleep on the sofa the entire evening, until an insane time, which is why this post is far later than usual!
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Received my bus pass today!!! 😂 You have to wait until you are 65 in England, but in Scotland you get your bus pass at 60! This card also gives me four vouchers annually for the Northlink ferry!
Catherine was off on annual leave last week – she very kindly baked and bought in a very yummy Victoria Sandwich Cake for my birthday and also some lovely presents that she and Jen has kindly bought me! The birthday continues! 😁😘
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Headed south to Loch of Hillwell to look for the Bufflehead, but couldn't find it. A message had been put out this morning that it was there, but I hadn't noticed a later message to say is was on Loch of Spiggie, so headed there next. Spent a while scoping the Setter area of the loch and was just about to give up, when I found the Bufflehead with 2 Mallard just east of the layby that overlooks Setter Marsh at around 4.10pm and watched it until the very last throws of light at 4.50pm, along with a lot of Wigeon and Tufted Ducks. Such a tiny little duck! Poor light and not able to get any pictures sadly, but even if I had, it would have been a blurry record shot at that distance.
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
I had an awesome surprise today, four more birthday cards! When I returned home from work there was a long parcel in the shed which said "Prestige Flowers" on the box! Some of my dear and lovely colleagues from my last post at QEH had posted me a bouquet of flowers!!! Thank you so much to Hilary, Bev and Sarah B., I was really taken back, that was an awesome surprise and bought a tear to my eye – hugs and kisses to you all 🤗💞🥰 xxx
I VERY lazily watched Up Helly Aa via the livestream this evening. I went last year and it was fabulous, but I didn't feel up to it this evening. I know its not the same as being there, but it was seriously toasty sitting by my fire, watching the live event on Youtube (see previous post to watch), along with a piece of Margaret's birthday cake! Jill and Rob also let me know about some awesome news. Had a lovely catch up with John F. on the phone and also my dear family friend Malcolm in Heacham and also phoned Hilary to thank her for the flowers and sent a thank you message to Bev and Sarah too. Then phoned Lucy and Vivien to tell them about my extra cards and flowers! Extended birthday! 😊
Tomorrow is a public holiday here in Shetland (only) as the Up Helly Aaa event finishes at 8am tomorrow (yes you did read that correctly). After the big parade and burning of the galley (as seen on the live stream) all the squads perform their 'acts' (prepared months beforehand) at all the halls, where there is a spread of food and all guests are dressed up to the nines as they say and having a 'peerie' drink or too! I decided (with permission from seniors) to work tomorrow, so that I can have an extra day as annual leave when I return to Norfolk in March. I will be on my own, but there is more than enough to do with my regular patients! I need to organise Lucy's birthday presents this weekend at the lastest etc, otherwise they won't arrive on time for 10th February.
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
A drake Bufflehead, which has been on the Isle of Foula since November, decided to relocate to the Loch of Spiggie this morning and was found by Kevin Kelly – possible due to Storm Éowyn. Unfortunately it only stayed for 39 minutes and flew off towards the Loch of Brow and wasn't re-located again. I headed south (it flew off whilst I was driving) and decided to look at Boddam Voe (every birder's favourite location!) where I found 2 Shelducks, 2 Mute Swans, Redshank, Turnstones, Hooded Crows and Starlings, no sign of the Bufflehead. Headed to the Grutness Pool where I found Teal and Mallard and nothing else. Then parked up at Scatness and walked down to view Loch of Gards – a few Goldeneye, Tufted Ducks, Teal, Mallard, gulls, Grey Heron and no Bufflehead.
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