Patch birding +

The elusive Lesser Whitethroat in the garden, that slightly concerned me having got silhouette and flight views on Friday morning gave itself up on Saturday morning. Also in the garden was that harbinger of better autumn things, a Goldcrest.

A thorough search of Palace, following a brief and unrewarded tramp over the Brough eventually brought a prize in the shape of a Turtle Dove, a very unexpected present. Distant, brief views did not permit elimination of the rarer cousin which was presumed. There are three on Shetland at the moment so I guess it's ok, an Orkney tick. Also added a few common species for the year for Palace including Robin, Reed Bunting and Hen Harrier.

Sanderling

Then headed for Skaill with the thought of checking the kirk yard, a place I'd thought looked very promising when I investigated it earlier in the week. The hunch proved a good one with Spotted Flycatcher and finally Yellow-browed Warbler being found in one of the two tiny Sycamores.

 St Peter's Kirk

 Spot Fly

Wonderful Y-bW pic