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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Some nice birds in the garden the last couple of days, Wryneck and Common Rosefinch pictured here. One of the many benefits to living in Fair Isle! #UKbirding

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Prior to yesterday, Small Mottled Willow had only been recorded twice in Fair Isle, both times partially-emerged adults found dead in peppers! Last night, I caught 8 (eight). Other Isle rarities in our trap included 2 Cochylis atricapitana, Rusty Dot Pearl and 4 Agriphila tristella. #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Any help with this one from Fair Isle that was in the trap a couple of nights ago would be greatly appreciated thanks. Highly likely it's one of our regular species that I'm struggling to remember! #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Painted sugar on a post and the brush was quickly covered in moths - got to be a good sign for the night... First Udea lutealis of the year in the garden, seems to be the earliest Fair Isle record by a couple of days. #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

There are lots of pictures of the Fair Isle Trumpeter Finch, but maybe not many of its droppings? That seems to be a bird that's adapted to wasting as little moisture as possible, resulting in a very neatly stacked and structurally sound doing. #ukbirding

Habitat shot of Trumpeter Finch dropping.

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

These tiny, shiny moths on Rosa rugosa in our garden in Fair Isle today are presumably Micropterix aruncella (the only Micropterix species known to occur in Shetland I think)? Not a group I know much about though, so it'd be good to get people's opinions. #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

A couple of large vessels passing the south end of Fair Isle from New Orleans and Newfoundland. We're the first land to the north any stowaway sparrows keen to continue their migration will have seen, so I'll be chucking out extra seed in the garden just in case! #ukbirding

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Didn't have to go far for #SuperSeabirdSunday this morning when this Fulmar got itself stuck in the garden. It's now back out to sea and I smell of Maalie vomit #StinkySeabirdSunday

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Superb views of @tomwright1.bsky.social's Parula earlier. More importantly though, by viewing from the north west corner of the Houll, I was able to get it on the croft list! Species 218 for the croft, joining Pochard, Coot and Spoonbill as additions so far this year.

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Too wet for the trap tonight, but the sugar attracted its first two months of the year; Fair Isle's 15th (and earliest ever) Bright-line Brown-eye and a Shears. #TeamMoth

Shears, a regular 'early' moth in Fair Isle

Bright-line Brown-eye, an irregular migrant to Fair Isle, previously recorded between 18th June and 4th September

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

This female Bluethroat was a pleasing visitor to the garden in recent days, spending time around the ponds and veg rigs. With a few migrants in the recent south-easterlies, my #PWC2026 Fair Isle list is up to 125 species for the year, with 107 of those on the croft year list. #BirdingScotland

Female Bluethroat on lichen and moss covered rock.

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

I've been complaining about the lack of moths so far in 2026 in Fair Isle, so I thought I should celebrate my first catch of the year, this rather lovely Dark Sword-grass. #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

Fulmar at Fair Isle earlier in the week for #SuperSeabirdSunday

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

At @rossahmed.bsky.social's excellent SBRC talk tonight, there was discussion as to whether the increase in Scottish records of North American landbirds was largely related to more birders visiting Shetland in recent years. No doubt that has helped, but if you assume coverage of Fair Isle... (1/3)

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

A Water Rail feeding in the garden pond whilst I'm having lunch. The Water Rail had been a regular sight during the winter, the sunshine definitely hasn't. #ukbirding #FairIsle

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

After 22+ years solid service, my Swarovski 8.5x42 EL latest repair bill would be £1000+. I'm thinking it's probably time for new binoculars instead, but having not bought any for so long, I'm after any advice. I've really liked the ELs (other than the eyecups always perishing). #birdingequipment

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

Plenty of selkies in the North Haven yesterday, including these two having fun in the shallows.

Grey Seals, North Haven, Fair Isle. 22.11.2025. In Shetland, selkies can come ashore at night and remove their seal skins to reveal a human form underneath. You can control a selkie by stealing the skin, which prevents them from getting back in the water, but I wouldn't recommend it.

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Young me would be amazed that I'd have 4+ Water Rails feeding in my garden one day (and so might not have spent as many hours in hides hoping for a glimpse of one!). With most gardens also holding 1-5, could Fair Isle be one of the easiest places in the UK to see double figures of them in a day?

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

It feels immensely rare this morning and, with four Goldcrest in the garden so far, I'm hoping for something even stripier by the end of the day...

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

I was very pleased to add Black-faced Bunting to my croft, Fair Isle, British, world and self-found lists yesterday and just as pleased when it was relocated at Barkland. I didn't manage any photos of the bird, but here's the twitch! #pwc2025

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

I was checking the honeysuckle for moths and accidentally woke up this roosting male Blackcap. He didn't fly off though, so he'll hopefully still get a good night's sleep.

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

I'll hopefully get better (out the pot) photos later, but I was thinking this was Agriphila straminella. That would make it a very late record for Fair Isle though, so is there anything else I should be looking out for? @mothiduk.bsky.social

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

Feels like a fun morning in Fair Isle; 3 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, Whinchat, 2 Siskin and Lesser Redpoll so far without really trying. Surely more to come! #BirdingScotland

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

With a bright moon, I'm not holding out much hope for the trap, but there's obviously migrants out there: 28 Dark Sword-grass, 4 Silver Y and Setaceous Hebrew Character on the sugar and flowers in our garden tonight (Fair Isle, VC112). #Teammoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

Turnip Moth on sugar last night. A rare migrant to Shetland, with records in only five previous years in Fair Isle. Hopefully calm enough to try the trap tonight... #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

The recent run of easterlies has been a wee bit underwhelming for migrant birds, so I was delighted to find this Wryneck in the driftwood stick outside the kitchen window this evening. #BirdingScotland

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

Dewick's Plusia feeding on the hebe last night is a first for Fair Isle and there were still at least three Convolvulus Hawkmoths on the honeysuckle. It's been a remarkable week of moths! #Teammoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Fabulous mothing in the garden last night. Rarest were these two Scarce Bordered Straws. Most impressive were the 5 Convolvulus Hawkmoth feeding on the honeysuckle. 20 Dark Sword-grass feeding in the garden. Fair Isle rarities included Frosted Orange, Lime-speck and Double-striped Pug. #teammoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

A busy night for moths on the honeysuckle, hebe and sedum in our garden last night. Highlight was this Bordered Straw (2nd Fair Isle record), with other migrants including 2 Convolvulus Hawkmoth, 6 Dark Sword-grass and 3 Setaceous Hebrew Characters. #teammoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Convolvulus Hawkmoth, Dark Sword-grass and 2 Silver Y feeding on honeysuckle and hebe in the garden last night. The trap was relatively quiet (47/5), but this Lunar Underwing is the first Fair Isle (and fourth Shetland) record. #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Ahead of the forthcoming south-easterlies, the net ride has been trimmed, viewing to the ponds has been opened up and the rosa and lawn have been strategically cut to allow better viewing. And now we wait...

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

Convolvulus Hawk-moth on the honeysuckle in the garden tonight at Shirva, Fair Isle. A few butterflies around today including Peacock, which I've decided is possibly my favourite thing in the natural world. #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

This micro on the outside of the trap wasn't one I recognised. Obsidentify suggests Bactra furfurana, which seems a good fit, but the only Bactra currently on the Fair Isle list is lancealana. Any thoughts on the ID please? #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Bedstraw Hawk-moth the absolute star of our trap in Fair Isle last night, about the 15th record for the Isle. Technically the highlight though was Common Carpet; first for Fair Isle and just the 6th for VC112 Shetland. Overall 234/19, dominated by 114 Diamond-back Moths. #TeamMoth #MigrantMothUK

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

I thought this pug from our trap in Fair Isle last night would be Juniper Pug (a resident in the Isle) but Obsidentify is very confident it's Double-striped, which would be a vagrant here. I don't have enough experience to be sure, so any help greatly appreciated thanks. #ukmoths #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

Foula viewed from our garden in Fair Isle last night. #Shetland

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Some uncropped images of Killer Whales passing Landberg, Fair Isle this evening. I love this place! #CetaceansUK #Shetland

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Midsummer is generally a quiet time for new passerine arrivals in Fair Isle, so there are worse birds to have hanging around the garden than this male Eastern Subalpine Warbler, which was first seen on 17th June. #BirdingScotland

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Our first Large White and Magpie Moth of the year gave some promise for the night, but a bright, clear sky meant the trap was pretty quiet. A bit more activity around the sugar, although not much outside of the expected species other than the lingering Bright-line Brown-eye #TeamMoth

A selection of moths coming to sugar, including Bright-line Brown-eye, Clouded-bordered Brindle, a couple of Angle Shades and several Dark Arches

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

Trying to key out some lacewings from the garden. Chrysoperla carnea agg. I would say, but not sure I can narrow it down further? Would it usually be necessary to prepare it as a specimen for getting to species level, try for better photos, or is there detail I can get with a hand lens? #insects

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Last night was a good one for #TeamMoth in Fair Isle. Vagrants represented by Pearly Underwing and Bright-line Brown-eye, earliest ever Smoky Wainscot and first Northern Rustics of the year. Also 4 Dark Sword-grass, several Silver Y and Diamond-back Moths. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social

Pearly Underwing, netted at Hebe. Shirva, Fair Isle 24.06.2025. The second Fair Isle spring record (the other was earlier this year), only the fifth year in which the species has been recorded in the Isle.

Bright-line Brown-eye. Attracted to sugar, Shirva. 24.06.2025 (14th Fair Isle record)

Smoky Wainscot, Fair Isle. 24th June 2025. Earliest FI record.

Northern Rustic, one of four - the first of the year for Fair Isle. 24.06.2025

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

A beautiful night in Fair Isle. Highlights were the Isle's 3rd record of Aethes cnicana, 7 Clouded-bordered Brindle, 4 Dark Sword-grass, stacks of Silver Y, Nightjar and Fair Isle Mouse feeding in the garden and a wander out to Raeva for my first Storm Petrel of the year. #TeamMoth

Aethes cnicana. 3rd record for Fair Isle

L to r: Angle Shades, Dark Sword-grass and Clouded-bordered Brindle on sugar

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Still waiting for it to get dark in Fair Isle, but Clouded-bordered Brindle on the sugar, Blastobasis lacticolella, Silver Ground Carpets, Map-winged Swifts and loads of Silver Y on the wing already and the trap on for its shortest run of the year! #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

A remarkable 24 hours for the croft. After yesterdays ESW, a Nightjar was feeding in the garden as I set the moth trap at around 11.30 last night, then this morning, Susannah found the wandering Great Reed Warbler around our ponds. Is spring in Fair Isle done yet? Maybe not... #ukbirding #pwc2025

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Eastern Subalpine Warbler in the garden today was a nice little bonus whilst working at the byre. Species number 212 for the croft list and some useful points for #pwc2025. #ukbirding

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

Susannah found this rather splendid Icterine Warbler at the Fair Isle Primary School today and it even gave a few bursts of song in the occasional sunny spells. My first of the year (I must get my #PWC2025 list up to date...).

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Pallas's Reed Bunting! The first for the UK was found at Fair Isle on the day I was born, so I've always wanted to see one here. I now owe Alex a pint after he found this gorgeous peerie thing in the Wirvie Burn this morning! #BirdingScotland

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

The northerly breeze is picking up and dropping the temperature, but the sugar has attracted 7 Angle Shades, 3 Dark Sword-grass and my first Setaceous Hebrew Character of the year (a species unknown in the spring in Fair Isle until 2024). #TeamMoth

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

A few nice birds in recent days. Buzzard (photo from Tarryfield where it was heading north, but a call to Susannah got it on the croft list) and Bee-eater (a Fair Isle tick for me and, in the last image, also an addition to the croft list, which now stands at 210). My #PWC2025 list is now 116.

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David Parnaby @parnaby.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Some decent mothing weather in Fair Isle has seen a few good records, including a lot of earliest ever dates. A mild, calm and foggy night on Monday was perfect and highlights were Shetland's first Black- fronted Straw and a Fair Isle record count of 32 Marbled Coronets (IDs in Alt text). #teammoth

Black-fronted Straw (Cochylichroa atricapitana). Shirva, Fair Isle. 12.05.2025. First record for Shetland.

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