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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 8h

In a quieter few days, the highlights have been the first Long-eared Owl and Long-tailed Duck of the autumn, scattered small flocks of Snow Bunting, and a Rosefinch trapped in Gully. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 T Wright

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Brendan Doe @laziobirder.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Last day on Fair Isle didn't produce any scarce or rare passerines but a Long-eared Owl in the Obs plantation was a smashing bird to finish this year's trip on. @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social #ukbirding

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Brendan Doe @laziobirder.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Fair Isle days 7-8 and some challenging birding conditions with very strong winds. Still some nice birds around with Snow Bunting, Jack Snipe and Water Rail giving themselves up for photographs @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social #UKbirding

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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

A Dusky Warbler trapped in Plantation was a great start to the day yesterday, and an Iceland Gull later showed up in South Harbour. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn

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Brendan Doe @laziobirder.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Fair Isle day 6. Generally few migrants today but highlights of Dusky Warbler trapped, Rosefinch, Iceland Gull and some nice views of Risso's Dolphins off the east coast @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social #UKbirding

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Ben Sheldon @sheldonbirds.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Shetland Day 8: Last day on Fair Isle. A good day that started with a Dusky Warbler trapped, a superb adult Iceland Gull in South Harbour, a new Common Rosefinch, several new Siberian Chiffchaffs in the afternoon, Woodcock, Snow & Lapland Buntings. Thanks to all at @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social!

Dusky Warbler in the hand, Fair Isle, 11 Oct 2026

Adult Iceland Gull, Fair Isle, 11 Oct 2026

Common Rosefinch, Fair Isle, 11 Oct 2026

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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

A mass arrival of Redwing yesterday made for spectacular viewing. Other highlights have included Arctic Warbler, Rustic Bunting, and a large aggregation of Minke Whale and White-beaked Dolphin. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 T Wright

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Brendan Doe @laziobirder.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Other rare and scarce so far on Fair Isle days 1-3: Rustic Bunting, Rosefinch, Little Bunting, Short-toed Lark and Arctic Warbler with a smattering of Yellow-browed Warblers @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social #UKbirding

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Brendan Doe @laziobirder.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Some decent birding so far on Fair Isle. Finally got some pics of the Olive-backed Pipit keeping faithful to the Stoneybrek area @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social #UKbirding

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Ben Sheldon @sheldonbirds.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Very good to arrive back at @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social today - smooth flight from Shetland & spectacular skies

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Jonathan Dodds @jdbirder.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

The Short-toed Lark is still hanging on around North Light, having picked one of the more exposed places on the island @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social

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Fair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

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

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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 · 23/07/2026

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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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