A terrible happening in the North Sea, Shetland.

[shagbat]

In these days of misery and unemployment, I have been 'forced' to go to Shetland to earn a crust. Whilst I won't be kicking and screaming when they put me on the aircraft, I would be most pleased if any of you good WABbers
could suggest places for the Nikon and myself to visit.
I will be working at Sullom Voe, but should have transport some of the time,
well, mornings and evenings at least.
I would also be interested to affiliate to any local society, birds being my main interest, but I also want to see whales, otters, even flowers etc.
I dream of spotting an Eagle.
Many thanks in anticipation and best regards,
kevin

[John D]

Originally Posted by shagbat

In these days of misery and unemployment, I have been 'forced' to go to Shetland to earn a crust. Whilst I won't be kicking and screaming when they put me on the aircraft, I would be most pleased if any of you good WABbers
could suggest places for the Nikon and myself to visit.
I will be working at Sullom Voe, but should have transport some of the time,
well, mornings and evenings at least.
I would also be interested to affiliate to any local society, birds being my main interest, but I also want to see whales, otters, even flowers etc.
I dream of spotting an Eagle.
Many thanks in anticipation and best regards,
kevin

I can't give you specific details but from what I've read and seen on TV you shouldn't have much of a problem seeing a wide range of wildlife on the Shetlands.
Hopefully you will be successful and be glad you were 'forced' to go. I know of many, myself included that would love to visit the Islands.
All the very best and I hope you fill up several 'memory cards'.

John D

http://johnswildworld.zenfolio.com/

[crieffy]

Hi Kevin,

The Toft ferry terminal is a great spot to see Otters - and it's just a 10 minute drive north of Sullom Voe oil terminal too You may also get a chance to spot Orcas in Yell Sound and the surrounding coast..

About and hour's drive south of Sullom is Sumburgh Head (which is right next to Sumburgh Airport if you're flying here) Great for all manner of seabirds, easily accessible, and also a good whale-spotting sight.

Not much eagle-spotting here though - you may catch a Rough-legged Buzzard that has been hanging around Toft for several weeks. Kestrels, Merlins and Peregrines are also seen occasionally..

John

[shagbat]

Many thanks to both Johns,
looks like Toft will get a visit as soon as.
Prob is, I work every day and the company is quite intransient
(core time etc).
So far I've seen many curlew (rare in London!) and kestrel, it can only get better.
Will make certain I get to Sumburgh for Puffins.
Cheers,
kevin

[Wizmatt]

Shagbat, you may find this an interesting thread: Shetland Trip Advice

Lots of members have suugested good sites to visit and general advice about seeing wildlife.

All the best, Matt.

[shagbat]

Originally Posted by Wizmatt

Shagbat, you may find this an interesting thread: Shetland Trip Advice

Lots of members have suugested good sites to visit and general advice about seeing wildlife.

All the best, Matt.

Hi and thanks for the help, visited Toft briefly yesterday, but only turnstones, lapwings along with 'common' things. Did spot a black necked diver in Brae, was well chuffed, a first is always nice.
On site today were wheatears, which I 've previously only seen in Norway
and loads of shy Oystercatchers. Am puffining at Sumburgh 2 morrow, hopefully, wish me luck,
best regards and thanks for help,
shagbat