Red-necked Phalarope

There are three Phalaropes and by far the easiest place in Britain to get regular good sightings of one of them is the RSPB reserve at Fetlar in Shetland where a few Red-necked Phalarope's breed each summer.

This is not an easy place to get to.
Travel to Shetland mainland is a long journey and this is the start.  From there we took the ferry across to southern Yell and drove across Yell to the North where the ferry goes to Unst and to Fetlar.

The RSPB reserve is a collection of ponds and lakes where the Red-necked Phalarope returns to in May of each year.  We saw 2 birds one of which showed well for pictures.  It's a very small bird that never seems to stay still so the results are mixed.

We also saw a few close views of summer plumaged Dunlin's at this site.

Having seen the Wilson's Phalarope at Grafham water, I am looking forward to an opportunity to see and photograph the Red (Grey) Phalarope sometime.  I will have to watch the online bird reports to see where and when one is next reported.

All Photos Copyright Nigel Spencer