Hello from a cold 60N.
Following the drama of last weeks humpback whale, I wasn't quite sure what to write in a blog entry this week. I decided I would write about the first bird I saw today which made me smile. So it happened to be that it was a flock of a dozen Linties, as they are called in Shetland.
Whenever we come up to the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, where the main RSPB Shetland Office is based (the other is in Fetlar), the first task of the day is to sprinkle canary seed near to the fog horn. The seed is for the benefit of twites. We put the seed on bare ground, as this is where the birds prefer to feed. A handful of pairs breed on the reserve, but it is during winter months when we usually have larger numbers at Sumburgh Head. Twite have declined all across Shetland, with the main reason being the change of land management over the years. Less crops, such as neeps, are grown so there are less weeds and thus seeds. We've encouraged crofters to grow crops, through the "Neaps for Linties" scheme (turnips (or swede) for twite), but interest has dwindled in recent years. However, the birds know that we put out the seed here and I've heard that Sumburgh Head is one of the best places in the country for getting good views at any time of year.
This cold morning there wasn't a twite to be seen, but no sooner as I had put the seed out 3, 6, 10 then 12 twite appeared to feed, calling in their delightful delicate manner. This is the shortest day in what feels like an exceptionally rotten dark windy winter. So, an encounter with these gorgeous peerie birds lightened my spirits. Flocks of up to thirty can be seen here most years, occassionally reaching triple figures.
This picture isn't from today (if only the sky were so blue!), but it shows three twites in a favoured perching places.
To find out more about any bird in Shetland, I always reach for The Birds of Shetland (Pennington et al), which is where I found the quote in the title. In "The Ornithologists Guide to the Islands of Orkney and Shetland" (J.Dunn 1837) wrote that "in winter it appears in large flocks, frequently in the company of sparrows and snowflakes." Snowflakes being snow buntings. Isn't that charming? Twite were once considered an agricultural pest, with flocks of thousands appearing in winter. Over time though, winter flocks of thousands became hundreds and these days flocks of hundreds are seldom recorded. Their breeding habits were broader in the past too, nesting in buildings, peat stacks and bushes, compared to today where they are largley confined to sea cliffs.
RSPB does great work all across the country to help conserve twite, including research and working with crofters and farmers to manage their habitats. Whilst we may not have the large flocks of the past, I am always heartened to see twite at the lighthouse and often on my beach walks. They are just lovely.
I'll leave you with a rubbish picture of a wonderful animal which I came across one lunch time last week just outside the office (you may recognise the bench which gives you a view back towards Sumburgh Airport and Virkie). If you can't work out what it is you need to get the punchline of the following joke "What animal would you most like to be on a cold day?"
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"A little 'otter." Boom boom!!
Have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
From all in the Shetland Office x
Hi
Yesterday, Martin came into the office and said "There's a big whale in the West Voe. Looks like a humpback." "Is it beaching?" I asked, immediately concerned about what scenario may be about to unfold, and Martin didn't think so but wanted to get a better look at it. He'd spotted it's blow, which is absolutely amazing considering the sea condition. So I didn't grab my hat, gloves and binnoculars (had left them at home thinking I was having a pure paperwork day - lesson learned!), jumped in the car and nipped down the road and immediately spotted the back of the whale surfacing from the waves. Who would have thought that in the heart of winter, Shetland could once again grant me speechless with its wild surprises?!
After some time observing the whale, which was exceptionally close to the shore, there didn't appear to be any problems (ropes attached for example). That was a relief to see, so there was time to freely enjoy the moment (following a frantic phoning session to get the news out - the grapevine, the local farmer, family, social media and a brief interview on BBC Radio Shetland). The whale was easily observed from the roadside, but when my brother John turned up, we decided to get a closer look from the shore. At one point, the massive mammal appeared to be around 20-50m off shore.
The blow appears as a fine mist, so could be distinguished from the "white horses" and spray. I saw the tail clearly just once when the whale dived, but managed to see its barnacle encrusted small dorsal fin, glimpsed it's flippers and observed its full length (some folk estimated it to be around 50foot) as it swum just below the surface of the sea. John managed to get a couple of photos, which can be seen here. After enjoying the wildest of experiences, it was time to go back to work. I was freezing cold, my feet were soaking but I was as happy as can be.
Shetland is well-known for its killer whale (orca) and Minke sightings, but large baleen whales are less common. This was the first humpback I've seen since the 1990s, when there was string of summers when a humpback (or two) were to be spotted from Sumburgh Head. Recently, a humpback was tangled in lobster creel ropes further north in the isles, but its fate was never known as it disappeared. I've heard from colleagues in East Scotland that three humpbacks were spotted quite close to the Loch of Strathbeg RSPB reserve. So, it goes to show it is always worth while doing a spot of sea watching.
RSPB are currently campaiging to get the UK's decision makers to improve management of the marine environment. You can help by Stepping Up For Nature, writing to your MP and/or MSP, doing your bit to tackle climate change. There's loads of information on our website, so why not have a wee surf after reading this blog?
Thanks for reading and I hope that you too have a gobsmacking experience with wildlife soon :)
I've literally just come in the door having been standing twenty metres from a humpback whale!! My fingers are warming up from the bitter cold, so I can hardly type. If you are in Shetland, head to Sumburgh Head now (Monday lunch time) to look for it.
The MASSIVE whale can be viewed from the road. Please park carefully and considerately.
Wow wow wow - so exciting!
Hello
I've just returned to Shetland following a holiday in England. I managed to visit to a couple of RSPB reserves (Ham Wall and Arne), so it was great to see what RSPB gets up to doon sooth. It's good to go away and be reminded of all the things we don't get in Shetland (foxes, nuthatches, ancient trees, ant hills, moles, voles and really good pubs!), but the pull of the Auld Rock is strong and I was glad to come home.
This is just a quick note to state the obvious really. If you are visiting Sumburgh Head, please do take extra care in these strong winds. I just stepped out the van at the main car park and my hat was whipped off and blown over the cliff. Then when I reached the lighthouse courtyard, I was bemused to see a bit more of a view than in November. That's because the old garages at the end of the courtyard have been demolished as they were becoming a risk due to last weekend's wind. Sumburgh Head is great to visit to experience in the wild windy winter weather but only if you are careful, and if you value your car doors, park wisely!
All the best
Helen