Tag Archives: shetland

And so this is Christmas…

Posted on December 24, 2016 by Jon Dunn

As is traditional in the blogosphere, it’s time for the annual introspective round-uppery blog post. This past year has been an unusual one for me – none of the dedicated foreign birding or botany trips that have been a feature of … Continue reading →

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Autumn birding and the butcher bird

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Jon Dunn

Shetland’s currently enjoying something of an Indian summer – warm, mostly sunny days continue to be the norm rather than the exception. The last summer to be this protracted was the infamous ‘barbecue summer’ of 2009 – while the rest … Continue reading →

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Spring Equinox

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Jon Dunn

Today’s the Spring equinox here in the northern hemisphere. Perversely Shetland, being contrary like that, is marking the occasion with a lacerating north-westerly and a return to wintery weather. A year ago today we were enjoying the near-total solar eclipse … Continue reading →

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South Mainland Up Helly Aa

Posted on March 12, 2016 by Jon Dunn

I was out last night. Not that uncommon, really – lots of people go out on a Friday evening. My night out was a little different to most, and even then was nowhere near as wild as that of some … Continue reading →

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Snowdrops, signs of spring

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Jon Dunn

They say that Shetland can experience four seasons in one hour, let alone in one day. Depending on whether one’s out of the wind this weekend it’s variously felt like a pleasant summer’s day or the bitterest depths of winter. … Continue reading →

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A day in the Shetland wildlife

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Jon Dunn

I recently read elsewhere in the blogosphere a writer’s day-in-the-life piece, one that set me thinking that I ought to do something similar. Without going into a blow by blow account of what constitutes a typical day for me – … Continue reading →

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Rare Bird Alert

Posted on February 7, 2016 by Jon Dunn

Since Christmas I’ve been writing the weekly Rarity Round-Ups for Rare Bird Alert – concluding with one this week in which a contentious gull practically on my doorstep featured largely. It’s always a pleasure to compile these weekly summaries of … Continue reading →

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60 North Winter 2015

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Jon Dunn

Once again I’ve got a piece in the latest edition of ’60 North’ magazine – this time of year is a little quiet for wildlife-watching opportunities in Shetland compared to the hustle and bustle of spring, summer and autumn (though … Continue reading →

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Shetland pigeon love

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Jon Dunn

After another sharp spell of stormy, wet weather, Shetland paused last night and caught its breath. Walking outside the backdoor in Lerwick into the stillness of the early evening I could hear a Common Snipe calling somewhere in the darkness … Continue reading →

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Happy Christmas from Shetland

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Jon Dunn

So another year draws to a close. It’s been something of a rollercoaster for me, with some giddy, jolly highlights and, inevitably, their counterpoints. I think this year of all years I’ve come to realise the personal value of the natural … Continue reading →

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