Shetland's autumn bird migration

During the summer months, cliffs are teeming with seabirds, and it is easy to spot puffins, guillemots, razorbills and bonxies. Beaches and wetlands provide a rich habitat for species such as lapwing, curlew and red-throated diver.

But for many ornithologists, the best time of year to be in Shetland is September and October, for the autumn migration.

A fortuitous combination of geographical location and weather patterns makes Shetland the perfect location to spot rare birds during both the spring and autumn bird migrations. The autumn migration has become a particularly important location for people hoping to spot some interesting birds.

The autumn migration remains one of the most popular times for British birdwatchers. And Shetland plays an important role in that, with the opportunity to see occasional mega rarities.

Over recent years, there has been an increase in American land birds like the Blackburnian Warbler and the Least Bittern. But Shetland is better known for sightings of eastern migratory birds, including Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler, Lanceolated Warblers and Siberian Rubythroat.

Each year, as well as the migratory birds, Shetland attracts ornithologists who travel to the islands in the hope they may be able to see one of these rarities. It’s also a great annual opportunity for local birdwatchers to venture out and enjoy a different aspect of wildlife in Shetland.

Where birds might be spotted depends on wind direction and weather conditions, so it is notoriously hard to predict.

Bird and wildlife Facebook groups and rare bird alerts are regularly updated with sightings and can help visitors and locals hear about recent sightings.

There are several wildlife tours, organised by local experts, that are geared specifically towards finding migratory species. Making use of this expertise is always a good option, and may maximise your chances of spotting the birds you dreamed of.

But there is also a lot of information to help people visiting the islands independently. Bird and wildlife Facebook groups and rare bird alerts are regularly updated with sightings and can help visitors and locals hear about recent sightings.

Often, the key to seeing birds in Shetland is spending time in the places that they are most regularly seen. I have been chatting to local experts to get their recommendations about some areas that are good to explore.

The South Mainland is a fantastic place for watching birds, whatever the season. This area is relatively accessible with good road networks and several hotspots for rare species.

Virkie Pool

The pool at Virkie is a tidal lagoon, and its mudflat habitat is a popular feeding ground for waders and shorebirds.

Nat Hall, a local tour guide and wildlife expert, said this is one of her favourite places for birdwatching.

She described a memorable encounter where she saw a trio of avocets by the pool and on another occasion encountered a purple heron at nearby Boddam.

These special wildlife moments can have a lasting impact, and Nat said: “My most magical encounters with nature remain tattooed in my heart forever.”

Spiggie Loch

The Loch of Spiggie is the largest freshwater loch in the South Mainland and an important wildfowl habitat. You can commonly spot Whooper Swans, Longtailed Duck, Goldeneye Duck and Wigeon. The fields in the surrounding area are home to Golden Plover and Curlew.

They are also a good location for migratory species. Over recent years, several rare species have been found there, including a Grey Phalarope, Black Tailed Godwit, Slavonian Grebe and Black Winged Pratincole.

Many rare birds arrive on easterly winds and a significant number land in Whalsay, one of the most eastern islands in the archipelago.

Species found there include Western Olivaceous Warbler, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler and European Bee Eater.

Known as ‘the Bonnie Isle’, Whalsay has beautiful landscapes and an impressive coastline making it a wonderful place to spend a day exploring.

A small area of woodland by Skaw at the north of the island is one of the best places to look for birds, and the tidal lagoon at Houb is also a popular place for birdwatching. But migrant birds could appear anywhere, in gardens or hedges and it is always worth keeping your eyes and ears open.

When I lived in Whalsay, I was always delighted by the small flocks of goldcrests that I often encountered while out walking.

Migrant birds could appear anywhere, in gardens or hedges and it is always worth keeping your eyes and ears open

Unst, the most northerly inhabited island, is often recommended as one of the best places to visit during the migration season. Its northerly location means it is often the first landing opportunity for migrating birds.

Despite only having 50 species that breed on the island, over 300 species have been recorded here. Rebecca Nason from Shetland Seabird Tours recommends the beaches at Skaw and Norwick for autumn birdwatching, as there have been numerous rare birds spotted there over the years. Recently the very rare Savannah Sparrow was spotted there.

She also recommended that people explore the small plantations found across Unst, as they are places migratory birds can find food and shelter.

If travelling north to Unst, it is often worth stopping to explore Fetlar, another island renowned for its birdlife. During the summer, the rare Red-breasted Phalarope breeds here and over the years, many rare migrant species have been documented on the island.

Fair Isle is perhaps the most famous bird-watching spot in Shetland. More species of birds have been documented here than anywhere of equivalent size in Britain.

Located around halfway between Shetland and Orkney, Fair Isle is Shetland’s most southerly island. Despite a population of under 100 people, there are still plenty of places to spend the night, including the recently refurbished Fair Isle Bird Observatory. And with a resident ornithologist and wardens, there’s plenty of expertise on the island.

Autumn sightings in recent years include: White’s Thrush, Siberian Rubythroat, and Blyth’s Pipit, among many others.

Although these hotspots may be the first places people will go in the hope of seeing rare birds, the true beauty of this time of year in Shetland is that you never know where you might encounter an unusual bird. Everyone I spoke to agreed that the best birdwatching strategy is to explore the islands, taking time in the places that would be most attractive to our avian visitors.

This also provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate our resident wildlife. The places listed above are also some of the best places to meet otters, seals and sometimes even orca!

My own favourite encounter happened a few years ago when I found a Northern Bullfinch in my kitchen, perched on top of a box of breakfast cereal. I reported the sighting, and the entry into the rare bird alert still makes me smile. In the details section, it reads, “Male photographed on box of Multigrain Hoops in kitchen (other cereals are available).”

When birdwatching in Shetland, please remember to be considerate and remember that people live in the communities that attract birds. There have occasionally been issues when many birders descend upon an area to glimpse a rare bird. Shetland Bird Club has guidance and a Code of Conduct to promote responsible birding.

Brilliant birding: Discover why Shetland is such an exceptional destination for birdwatching.