Malcolm Campbell

One more from our Shetland Wildlife trip with Dave Fairhurst. Some great views of seals, looking down on the beach from the road above. This grey seal caught my attention. #scotland #shetland #seal

Another photo from our trip to Shetland with Shetland Wildlife. Our guide was the excellent Dave Fairhurst. We had great views of mountain hares, white against the landscape. #scotland #shetland #hare

We went to Shetland the last few days with Shetland Wildlife - three days birdwatching then Up Helly Aa. Our guide was the excellent Dave Fairhurst. We managed to see a waxwing, feeding on apples as there are no berries, and fending off starlings. #scotland #shetland #birdwatching

The first one? I can see that!

We went to Shetland the last few days with Shetland Wildlife - three days birdwatching then Up Helly Aa. Next up are the Jarl Squads #scotland #shetland #uphellyaa

We went to Shetland the last few days with Shetland Wildlife - three days birdwatching then Up Helly Aa. Let’s start with the Fire! #scotland #shetland #uphellyaa

(A walk in Figgate Park) Blue Tit landing on the metal feeder. #birdwatching #birdingscotland #edinburgh

Nothing better than getting out despite the health issues, if you can. @puzzlewild.bsky.social had me out sitting in a camping chair when I couldn’t walk far at one point (and we saw fox cubs)

(A walk around Figgate Park) There’s food? I want all the food. A magpie in hungry raptor mode. #birdwatching #birdingscotland #edinburgh

We had a really good Sunday walk there. Few more pics to post yet, but the kingfisher was the highlight .

(A walk in Figgate Park) This kingfisher was flitting up and down the burn. Captured a lovely moment in the sun. #birdwatching #birdingscotland #edinburgh

(A walk around Figgate Park) A grey wagtail was bouncing up Figgate Burn. #birdwatching #birdingscotland #edinburgh

(A walk around Figgate Park). Spotted a heist in progress. This squirrel scaled the wall, crossed over the the bird enclosure, and snuck through to steal food.
#edinburgh #squirrel #ukwildlife

As I said earlier, yesterday we went to Penicuik to see if we could see a Water Rail. The light was very poor but it did come out for a swim around, then popped out of hiding a few times. Lovely to see. #birdwatching #birdingscotland

First birding outing after surgery, we went to Penicuik to see if we could see a water rail (more on that later). As we crossed the North Esk, a dipper was spotlighted by a beam of light passing through the trees. #birdwatching #scotland

(Shetland Autumn 2025) I haven't seen (Red) Knot very often, or maybe I just haven't always noticed them. We got closer to shore birds than usual on Shetland, and Knot often hide among Dunlin - they're the bigger, greyer ones. #birdwatching #birdingscotland

(Shetland Autumn 2025) Always a cute bird to see, in flocks along a sea shore or lagoon, we managed to get closer to Dunlin on Shetland than we are used to. #birdwatching #birdingscotland

(Shetland Autumn 2025) A pair of male Eiders in different plumage - eclipse adult and adult plumage, I believe. Its great to see the contrast, the development of the adult colours. #birdwatching #birdingscotland

(Shetland Autumn 2025) Watching shags fishing is always fun - the way they leap up to dive, but usually they swallow the fish too quickly to catch them with one. I was lucky enough to catch this one with a yellow fish, even if its a tight crop. #birdwatching #birdingscotland

(Shetland Autumn 2025) This was one of the exciting rarities on Shetland when we were there. Believed to be an Eastern Bonelli's Warbler, but only one person had heard it, and they can't be told apart by field visuals only. Either way, a first for me! #birdwatching #birdingscotland

(Shetland Autumn 2025) Juvenile Herring Gull - lovely view of the feathers. #birdwatching #birdingscotland

(Shetland Autumn 2025) Spending time watching sea birds, we get more chances to notice them fishing. This Eider grabbed a crab and kept throwing it into the water, grabbing it again. Our guide told me that they are tearing the legs off, then they eat the torso whole. #birdwatching #birdingscotland

(Shetland Autumn 2025) We saw Hooded Crows all over Shetland, and such stunning views of them up close. Amazing feather patterns. #birdwatching #birdingscotland

(Shetland Autumn 2025) Sometimes when the birding is quieter, you pay more attention to the common birds. This sparrow was trying to swallow the seed, but couldn't with the stalk attached. It eventually managed to snap off the stalk. #birdwatching

(Shetland Autumn 2025) Always a beautiful bird to see, we saw quite a few on our Autumn Birding trip with Shetland Nature. One of our prettier UK birds, I think.. #birdwatching

On the approach to the Isle of May, a Peregrine Falcon stands guard, watching over the water and island. Did you know it’s the world’s most widespread raptor? And the world’s most widespread land-based bird if you don’t include pigeons which humans have spread.

I have a soft spot for herring gulls, having grown up around fishing boats and harbours. And young chicks are just so cute. This pair were on the Isle of May recently. #isleofmay #herringgull #birdwatching

Just back from Global Birdfair, and it was wonderful to meet people from our Extremadura trip again: Pablo, Maxine and Simon. Such an amazing place, and Pablo is an incredible guide!
So one more bird from Extremadura - my first time seeing Little Owl!
#spain #extremadura #littleowl #birdwatching

This puffin wanted a different view on the world. #isleofmay #puffin #birdwatching

Kittiwakes with chicks on the Isle of May last week. #isleofmay #kittiwake #birdwatching