News / Scalloway woodpecker a first for Scotland
BIRD watchers have been flocking to a garden in Scalloway to get a rare glimpse of a lesser spotted woodpecker, the first proven record of the bird not just for Shetland but for Scotland.
The bird was found by resident birdwatcher Rob Fray earlier this week. It was reported to be still around an area near the surgery on Wednesday morning.
Lesser spotted woodpeckers are the smallest and least common of the three woodpecker species resident in Britain.
Red-listed, the species is under severe threat and the UK population is limited to the southeast of England.
However, local bird watcher Hugh Harrop of Shetland Wildlife said it was unlikely that the Scalloway bird belonged to the UK population.
“The origins of this bird are unknown but it almost certainly will have come from one of the European populations rather than the sedentary UK population.
“Bird watchers as far away as Estonia and Lithuania have reported seeing large numbers of migrating lesser spotted woodpeckers over the past week and on Sunday, one was seen on the island of Utsira (the ornithological equivalent of Fair Isle) off the coast of Norway.”
He added: “This bird constitutes the first record for Shetland and currently the first proven record for Scotland.
“A recent review of previous Scottish records saw past claims being considered unacceptable. Now that the species has occurred in the country, maybe the previous records will be assessed once again.
“A great spotted woodpecker is also in Scalloway and for bird watchers to have seen two species of ‘pied’ woodpecker in a day was unique.”
To keep up to date with wildlife sightings here in Shetland follow Shetland Wildlife on Facebook.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.