UFO

[DonnieC]

Anybody else seen what looks like a off-colour yellow 'sparrow' around Clachan Seil.

Sparrow sized, slightly darker markings on the wings, yellow beak. Not one of the usual small bird suspects and it's not a canary before anybody suggests.

Anybody id this bird?

[Beetlejuice]

Wood warbler?
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdgui ... index.aspx

[jimcee]

I suspect that it was probably a bit queasy and off-colour because of all the tarring fumes from the recent roadside activity.

[DonnieC]

Hi BJ,

Sorry it's not a Wood Warbler. Others have suggested a Cirl Bunting or yellow hammer. The best suggestion was questionably a 5 pint Highlander-patrons of TnT will appreciate that one!

It simply looks like an all yellow Sparrow with a distinct yellow beak. it flies in the company of other Sparrows quite happily and has been on our bird table but so far a photo has eluded me.

The nearest I can id this is LIKE a Saffron Finch-

http://www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/sa ... inch.html-

but there is no red tinge to the head and the wings have faint markings on them showing through their yellow feathers.

Its beak is very distictly yellow. I will post a photo if I can.

Anybody help?

[hoopster1888]

i had 2 of these birds in the garden lst weekend , i swear they were both wearing the new celtic away top

bright yellow and black feathers , i tried to sneak in the house and grab my camera but they flew when i was on my way back out

[DonnieC]

........ Think you've been on the Highlander

[DonnieC]

Sorry to go back to this but if anybody has a photo of this creature it would be good as it may have been an Evening Grosbeak - a very rare visitor from American seen very occasionally on Shetland.

Had the pleasure of watching a 'lost' dolphin just yards off the shore in front off the house on Saturday evening. I understand one was seen around the boats further south off the old Clachan Post Office and at least two were spotted at the fish farm.

Only ever saw, in Seil Sound, a dead dolphin below Seil Haven about 20 years ago. Around 5 years ago a dead harbour porpoise was washed ashore outside the house. Also, again 5 years ago, two porpoises went north in front of the house and passed under the bridge.

As the lost soul was not around in the morning I assume it managed back into deeper water and its mates. Anybody know??

[Beetlejuice]

Evening Grosbeak?? Picture please!

[DonnieC]

Google? Should have added it is suggested a female or a young bird. This is not my suggestion!!!!

[barky]

a female goldfinch perhaps?

[DonnieC]

Thanks Barky, It's not a goldfinch. It's definitely not one of the 'usual suspects' - young or female and unfortunately has not been around for a while now. Plenty of people up here at Clachan had seen it but sadly no photos.

[DonnieC]

Sorry to report but the dolphin was found dead on the shore below Whin Bank on Saturday. An adult about 2.3 metres in length.
I believe it's going to the dolphin centre in Inverness(?) for a pm to establish cause of death!?

BJ, tried to obtain a photo of a young, female Evening Grosbeak- no joy.