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Fair Isle Bird Observatory

@fairislebirdobs.bsky.social
1.8K followers 37 following 135 posts

One of Britain's premier bird observatories on the the UK's most remote inhabited island. Follow for migration, marine life & more www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk

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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 3h
The past couple of days have continued to bring in new arrivals, including an Olive-backed Pipit and a Red-breasted Flycatcher. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 L Marriner
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Jonathan Dodds @jdbirder.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Somewhat of a clear out overnight, but nice to see one of the Little Buntings on the island, this one favouring Shirva @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
October has got off to a good start with good numbers of common migrants and a Lanceolated Warbler at North Light, later followed by a Radde’s Warbler in the Setter area which was then trapped in Plantation. For more info, head to www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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Kevin Kelly @kevinshetland.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
We won’t mention a certain Blue Robin a few miles from home. A very enjoyable few days in @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social capped off by at last finding Lanceolated warbler with @birds-and-me.bsky.social at Northlight. Cracking birds!
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Jonathan Dodds @jdbirder.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Felt very Fair Isle watching a Radde’s Warbler creep along one of the drystone walls by Setter, superb birds! @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social
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Carla Hill @carlahill.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
A good day of birding here at @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social with my first Lanceolated Warbler this morning, then a very showy Radde’s Warbler this afternoon, my second lifer of the day, which then made its way into the Plantation trap! Thrushes everywhere and plenty else to look at too!
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The September Ranger Blog is available to read now to catch up on what Carla has been up to lately over at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/ranger_blog....!
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Jonathan Dodds @jdbirder.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Finding shelter absolutely anywhere they could, this summarises the madness of yesterday when Yellow-browed Warblers were turning up in gardens, along walls and down geos! @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social
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Phil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
American (Buff-bellied) Pipit on my recent trip to @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social. Found by a visiting tour group the day we arrived!
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A change in the wind bought in plenty of scarcities across the isle, including Red-flanked Bluetail and 31 Yellow-browed Warbler, topped off by an EYEBROWED THRUSH at Guidicum. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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Jonathan Dodds @jdbirder.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
South-easterlies and the floodgates opened! Yellow-browed Warblers in every geo, no less than 31 around, 11 being my personal tally! Scarcities all over the island throughout the day, topped off by finding this lovely Red-flanked Bluetail on Ward Hill @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A couple of Corncrake, our second Short-toed Lark of the year, and a brief Little Bunting have been the best of the past few days, now to see what the change to south-easterly winds might bring in! Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 J Dodds
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Jonathan Dodds @jdbirder.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Pink-footed Geese continued southbound today plus few new birds in including a fine Little Bunting briefly in Vaadal @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social
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Jonathan Dodds @jdbirder.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Superb views of this Corncrake were had skulking across Byrwalls, until it later zoomed across the road! @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social
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Jonathan Dodds @jdbirder.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
These two Lapland Buntings gave lovely views in the sheltered corners on north census! Two of each Jack Snipes, Willow Warblers and a single Black Redstart was best of the rest @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social
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Jonathan Dodds @jdbirder.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
American Pipit made for a decent start to some time on Fair Isle. Overhead regular flocks of Pink-footed Geese were heading south @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The highlight of the past week has been an American ‘Buff-bellied’ Pipit around the Houll, along with the first Turtle Dove of the year. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 S Arlow
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BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The Birds of Fair Isle review This is a fitting tribute to a most hallowed of ornithological isles and will surely work its way on to the bookshelves of many birders, says Josh Jones: f.mtr.cool/piokdb7bdk
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The first Yellow-browed Warblers of the year made their appearance yesterday, as well as the first Fieldfare and Pink-footed Geese of the autumn. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Red-backed Shrike and Rosefinch have been the highlights of the past few days in some unfavourable winds, with a few Lapland Bunting also passing through. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 L Marriner
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BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The Birds of Fair Isle review This is a fitting tribute to a most hallowed of ornithological isles and will surely work its way on to the bookshelves of many birders, says Josh Jones: f.mtr.cool/7r6jqqywxd
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
"It is a fitting tribute to this most hallowed of ornithological isles and will surely work its way on to the bookshelves of many of those birders who have visited at some point over the years – and probably a lot of those who haven't been, too. Go out and get yourself a copy – you won't regret it!"
birdguides.com
The Birds of Fair Isle - BirdGuides
This is a fitting tribute to a most hallowed of ornithological isles and will surely work its way on to the bookshelves of many of those birders who have visited at some point over the years – and pro...
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The past few days have been generally quieter in quantity of birds, though the quality remains, with a Corncrake and Red-backed Shrike trapped and ringed and a few other scattered scarcities. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 C Hill
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
IMPORTANT NEWS - You can now book your 2027 visit to Fair Isle Bird Observatory. There are many compelling reasons to book (see image). For more information visit www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/accommodation The amazing offer for late October this year is still open!
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Carla Hill @carlahill.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I’ve had the chance to ring a couple of new birds for me recently; first a Rosefinch, followed by a Red-backed Shrike. Though much less striking than their adult counterparts, juveniles really can look quite lovely and these two were excellent proof of that! The detail on the shrike was amazing!
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Carla Hill @carlahill.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Had my best ever field views of a Barred Warbler yesterday when this one passed right in front of me as it worked its way through the Angelica at Midway
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The August edition of the Ranger’s Blog is available now over at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/ranger_blog...., catch up on what Ranger Carla has been up to lately!
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
It’s been a good few days for Wryneck, with multiple birds present, as well as good numbers of Barred Warbler and Rosefinch. The first Corncrake of the year was also seen at Tineside. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸: T Wright
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
A Citrine Wagtail spent a few days bouncing around the South, and common migrants are on the rise, along with a few scattered scarcities. Catch up with our latest sightings here: www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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Stephe Harrop @stepheharrop.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Finishing my time on Fair Isle in fine style, with a visit to @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social to share some tales and chat (and fabulous baking) with a remarkable international community of knitters. A fantastic roomful of crafty, creative souls, each with their own tales to tell. Joy.
Black and white selfie of Stephe, leaning against a roughly textured cottage wall, looking into the camera and smiling slightly.
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British Birds @britishbirds.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The rebuilt Fair Isle Bird Observatory has been officially opened, marking the completion of a long-term rebuilding project following the fire that destroyed the previous building in March 2019. Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti... 📸Fair Isle Bird obs Alex Penn
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Autumn has kicked off with our first Barred Warbler of the year on 4th, joined by a Melodious Warbler on 8th and Fair Isle’s 35th Woodchat Shrike around Kenaby yesterday. Read more of our latest sightings at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Due to room availability at the end of the season, we are running a special price of £99 per person per night for stays of 7 nights or more between 15th-30th October, available on both single and twin rooms.
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
The July Ranger Blog is now available to read at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/ranger_blog.... to catch up on what Ranger Carla has been up to these past few weeks!
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Carla Hill @carlahill.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
I was very pleased to ring my first Leach’s Petrel a few nights ago! This was our second Leach’s caught of the year, with both birds coming on nights with good Storm Petrel catches of 231 and 266, a very busy couple of nights of ringing!
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Recent seabird work has centred around Bonxies and Storm Petrels, with two Leach’s Petrels also trapped in recent sessions. Breeding success has been variable, with the Arctic Terns fledging just one chick. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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Cycling UK in Scotland @cyclingukscotland.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The humble bike punches well above its weight... The Fair Isle Bird Observatory is a perfect example. Proof that something as simple as a bike can make an extraordinary difference. Read how bikes are not only supporting people, but helping communities and places thrive 👇 cyclinguk.org/fair-isle
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Due to room availability at the end of the season, we are running a special price of £99 per person per night for stays of 7 nights or more between 15th-30th October, available on both single and twin rooms.
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
A new study has ranked Fair Isle as the third best location for birding in Europe, due to our location resulting in plenty of common migrants and a scattering of scarce and rare birds passing through. More can be found about how the top spots were decided here: www.heraldscotland.com/news/2629027...
heraldscotland.com
Scotland is home to two of Europe's best birdwatching spots, new study reveals
Scotland is home to two of Europe's best birdwatching spots, a new study has revealed.
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
It’s been a busy couple of weeks of seabird work for the Ornithology Team, with Puffin colour ringing, feedwatches and food sampling, among other seabird jobs. Birding time has been few and far between as a result. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Birdfair starts tomorrow! You can find the FIBO stall in Swallow Marquee, stand 14. Do drop by and take a look at our new merch!
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
The isle’s first July record of Melodious Warbler at the Haa and second July record of Western Subalpine Warbler trapped in Plantation have been the highlights of the past few days. Catch up on www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
We’ll be at @globalbirdfair.bsky.social next weekend, Swallow Marquee, stand 14. Come and find us for our new merchandise and a special offer on the new Birds of Fair Isle book!
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The June Ranger Blog is available to read now over at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/ranger_blog.... to catch up on what Ranger Carla has been up to this past month!
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Clear highlights of the past week have been a TRUMPETER FINCH mobile around the Kiln o’Skroo and a Serin first located in Chapel Plantation but since trapped in Plantation. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 L Marriner
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
This past weekend saw the grand opening of Obs 5 by Ann Cleeves, with a carefully planned programme of events and a whole host of past staff, directors, funders, supporters and friends present throughout. Kenny’s Bar also received its official opening, with the sign lit up for the first time.
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Nina O'Hanlon @ninaohanlon.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Heading back south after an amazing long weekend @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social So good to be back, and so many highlights (people, seabirds, music, food)! 💙 #FairIsle 💙
Looking towards Fair Isle Bird Observatory from Buness with green grass and large stones in the foreground and dark grassy, moorland in the background beneath a cloudy blue sky
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Bonxie chicks are popping up all over the isle, as other species begin to fledge. A possible Red-footed Falcon was seen twice fleetingly on 18th but proved impossible to pin down, and the Bee-water was similarly elusive. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
A Bee-eater touring the crofts yesterday was a highlight of recent days, as seabird monitoring gets underway and chicks start to appear across the isle. Catch up over at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
We’ve had a generally quieter few days lately, with highlights Nightjar, Icterine Warbler and Marsh Warbler. Quail numbers have also been consistently good with passing birds scattered around the isle. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn
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