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Post by georgeg on Oct 10, 2006 17:11:04 GMT 1
After I took three pics of this Otter it dived and I watched it swimming towards me underwater then it dived deeper into the Kelp it was only about 15feet from me. Lovely to watch.
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Post by davidjam on Oct 10, 2006 17:22:55 GMT 1
My last otter viewing was just before I headed back to uni.
Driving home from work, as i came up the brae at the Busta Junction, spotted what intially looked like a rather large black cat... but as soon as it started to hobble, realised it was in fact an otter. I had to slow down, and he hobbled across the road infront of me.
Doing the Sullom to Busta Voe assault course!
one of those priveleged to see so close moments though.
david
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Post by Admin Mal on Oct 11, 2006 23:04:34 GMT 1
Great pics, George. Is the white bit just the water as the otter's diving or is it something else?
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Post by georgeg on Oct 12, 2006 10:45:41 GMT 1
hi.fiona. The white bit is the splash as it was diving,Ithink it was caused by the sun shining from behind me and reflection of the splash. I went to the same area yesterday as they are creatures of habit, I was hoping to video one. Unfortunatly the sea was very rough and did not see any.
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Post by georgeg on Oct 12, 2006 10:54:26 GMT 1
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Post by georgeg on Oct 12, 2006 11:02:23 GMT 1
Oh.dear wot have I done?
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Post by Pat on Oct 12, 2006 11:53:37 GMT 1
Hi Georgeg
What you've done is get me thinking about the birds I see all around me again.
In last friday's paper I noticed that there had been some little red breasted flycatchers around. There are several of them darting about in the trees at Greenbrae just now. I also noticed a flock of redwings at the Fitchins, Ollaberry, which I understand are Britain's smallest thrush.
Pat
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Post by patioman on Oct 12, 2006 14:56:34 GMT 1
What you have done Georgeg, is to make we wonder if I need a new wide screen computer monitor, the photographs are very good, well done. I see there are a lot of Yellow-browed warblers around, have you got any in your locality, you lucky people.
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Post by georgeg on Oct 12, 2006 16:18:04 GMT 1
I was down watching out for the Otter twoday, seen it twice but not quick enough to capture it on my camera. But i did film this Gannet. also seen a Redshank and some shags.
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Post by davidjam on Oct 12, 2006 16:31:25 GMT 1
look at home... isn't it fantastically bleak (i mean that in a good way... honest)
most splendid video!
David
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Post by patioman on Oct 12, 2006 17:56:50 GMT 1
Georgeg, with you having such a profusion of Yellow-browed warblers at the moment, could I ask what their immediate future is normally, how long do they stay with you and I am surprised there are enough insects still available for them to feed on.
I looked up on the migratory habits and it seems Shetland is a regular place for them to drop in to at this time of year.
May I be so bold also as to ask how the Terns have faired this year as regards breeding success, I know that Orkney as had several disastrous years lately with the prey fish moving more and more North with the sea warming problem.
As it affected Shetland yet in this way.
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Post by davidjam on Oct 12, 2006 18:07:33 GMT 1
At Gluss Ayre (near my house...) the tirricks (terns) seemed to be in good force this year. I took the car down there quite a lot over the summer, and my walks across the beach resulted in many a angry tirrick. Seemed to be a lot more than what i can remember recently... but is only one ayre. Good to see all the same
david
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Post by georgeg on Oct 12, 2006 18:32:21 GMT 1
Hi.Patioman. Your first question I cant answer as I am not to familiar on the subject. Regarding the Terns about 3years ago there was a colony of them quite near my home about 100pairs nesting quite happily then they disappeared overnight . My theory is that they left because of tour buses driving through there nesting site with tourists going to the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal.
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Post by patioman on Oct 12, 2006 19:04:39 GMT 1
Thanks David Jam and Georgeg, There was definitely a lot to be seen when I was up there in June, Arctics a'plenty and fair amounts of Common. There were plenty on Orkney some three years ago but as I said earlier due to thier food was in short supply and breeding and rearing rates were almost nil. Interesting theory Georgeg, is this shared by fellow birders or could it be perhaps shared with the food supply problem. Then again if the Terns are suffering due to global/sea warming it would affect the Puffins too I suppose. The Yellow-browed Warbler query is something I will have to have a look at in my Birds of the Western Palearctic volumes. If I discover any new info on this I will post it. Ps: ::)Going into town tomorrow to price up wide screen monitors
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Post by patioman on Oct 12, 2006 20:05:50 GMT 1
According to Where to Watch Birds in Shetland it is classed under Regular Passage Migrant. Two Status symbols to this description, a capital M and a small m. the Yellow browed comes under the small m.
In Birds of the Western Palearctic it describes its winter migration destinations as Tropical or Sub Tropical gardens, street trees, open woodlands or Shrubby places.
Are you Shetlanders holding back info that you enjoy better weather in Winter than in Summer.
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