Pallas's Warbler, Grutness!

Grutness is a superb area. It has a lovely beach where waders were plentiful, a lovely rocky terrain as well a few gardens and the quarries at Sumburgh. We awoke early checking the gardens around our accommodation and all we had was a few Blackcaps and Goldcrests so we made the decision to check the plantations at Kergord. 

Soon after arriving we heard a yellow Browed calling and shortly after had brief glimpses in the thick strips of bushes. It was soon cut short tho as a message came through of a Pallas's Warbler at Grutness in the garden which every day before so far I had checked but nothing more than a couple of chiffchaffs, Twite and Brambling. 

Shortly after we arrived at Grutness to a group of birders staring into the garden, it transpired into a long wait as a strong northerly wind was whipping across the Island and therefore the bird was keeping very low amongst the group of sycamores than ran around the garden.

When it eventually showed it was amazing! As per usual with these Siberian sprites they are literally the business. So small, so bright and in general a top class bird that you will never tire of seeing and imo far better than any Yellow Brow. It was very hard to photograph 1. Because of the wind 2. Branches and 3. Because they are always on the move. 

The next day we revisited the site and again saw the Pallas's Warbler but this time it was much more mobile and feeding higher up in calmer conditions which proved to be even more challenging. We also jammed into this Barred Warbler which flew in landed inside a shed then shortly after flew out and fed in the garden alongside the PW.