Hugh Harrop
@hughharrop.bsky.social
Director & guide for Shetland Wildlife @shetlandwildlife.bsky.social | Cameraman | Orcaholic | Co-author of Princeton Nature @princetonupress.bsky.social Europe's Sea Mammals, Europe's Birds, Britain's Birds & British Birds.
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Hugh Harrop
@hughharrop.bsky.social
· Nov 28
When eight became nine...NEW #ORCA CALF!
Over the moon to watch and film the new addition to the Northern Isles Community '27s' pod off Lunna, #Shetland today alongside first-time mum '152'. 🖤🤍
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK
Over the moon to watch and film the new addition to the Northern Isles Community '27s' pod off Lunna, #Shetland today alongside first-time mum '152'. 🖤🤍
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK
Still buzzing from our amazing encounter with this nursery pod of Bottlenose Dolphins over the weekend. They constitute only the fourth confirmed record of this species in Shetland inshore waters.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
November 11, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Still buzzing from our amazing encounter with this nursery pod of Bottlenose Dolphins over the weekend. They constitute only the fourth confirmed record of this species in Shetland inshore waters.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
Jack Snipe in typical habitat and in typical 'you cannot see me' pose. Amazing birds! Pic taken over the weekend here in Shetland.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
November 10, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Jack Snipe in typical habitat and in typical 'you cannot see me' pose. Amazing birds! Pic taken over the weekend here in Shetland.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
A short video of the nursery pod of Bottlenose Dolphins in Vidlin Voe, Shetland yesterday. Check out some of those tiny calves! Only the fourth confirmed record of this species in Shetland waters.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
November 9, 2025 at 5:16 PM
A short video of the nursery pod of Bottlenose Dolphins in Vidlin Voe, Shetland yesterday. Check out some of those tiny calves! Only the fourth confirmed record of this species in Shetland waters.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
Mother and calf Bottlenose Dolphins in Vidlin Voe, Shetland today. Part of an incredible nursery pod of 120+ individuals.
Only the fourth-ever documented record for Shetland inshore waters following sightings in Dec 2002, Aug 2024 & Sep 2025.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
Only the fourth-ever documented record for Shetland inshore waters following sightings in Dec 2002, Aug 2024 & Sep 2025.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
November 8, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Mother and calf Bottlenose Dolphins in Vidlin Voe, Shetland today. Part of an incredible nursery pod of 120+ individuals.
Only the fourth-ever documented record for Shetland inshore waters following sightings in Dec 2002, Aug 2024 & Sep 2025.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
Only the fourth-ever documented record for Shetland inshore waters following sightings in Dec 2002, Aug 2024 & Sep 2025.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
Enjoying point blank views of this gorgeous Firecrest at Sandwick, Shetland on Wednesday when it was joined by a second individual! Unlike their commoner cousins, Firecrests are much rarer here with only a handful of records every year.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
November 7, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Enjoying point blank views of this gorgeous Firecrest at Sandwick, Shetland on Wednesday when it was joined by a second individual! Unlike their commoner cousins, Firecrests are much rarer here with only a handful of records every year.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
The reason why our local Blackbirds were going absolutely nuts at dusk today: this magnificent migrant Long-eared Owl perched on a bale handler behind the barns here at Hillwell, Shetland.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
November 5, 2025 at 5:19 PM
The reason why our local Blackbirds were going absolutely nuts at dusk today: this magnificent migrant Long-eared Owl perched on a bale handler behind the barns here at Hillwell, Shetland.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
One of which was Baroness Young of Old Scone - RSPB Chief Executive from 1991 - 1998.
You couldn't make it up.
You couldn't make it up.
Last night, Peers voted against Swift bricks: rejecting a simple, proven way to help one of our fastest declining birds recover. ❌
We share @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social's disappointment & frustration.
The vote came late, but with government refusing to back it, its fate was already sealed.
We share @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social's disappointment & frustration.
The vote came late, but with government refusing to back it, its fate was already sealed.
November 5, 2025 at 8:06 AM
One of which was Baroness Young of Old Scone - RSPB Chief Executive from 1991 - 1998.
You couldn't make it up.
You couldn't make it up.
Petition: Stop the Guga Hunt. Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend Section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to remove the power to grant licences for killing young Gannets.
Please sign and Repost.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
Please sign and Repost.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
PE2202 Stop the Guga Hunt
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend Section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to remove the power to grant licences for taking Gannets on Sula Sgeir.
www.parliament.scot
November 4, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Petition: Stop the Guga Hunt. Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend Section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to remove the power to grant licences for killing young Gannets.
Please sign and Repost.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
Please sign and Repost.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #Birds #UKWildlife
A few more images of the Steppe Grey Shrike at Scousburgh, here in Shetland last week.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
November 4, 2025 at 7:09 AM
A few more images of the Steppe Grey Shrike at Scousburgh, here in Shetland last week.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Desperately seeking three French hens and a partridge in a pear tree to join these two Oriental Turtle Doves. Yes, it was back to the drawing board overnight and a retrospective ID on one of the 'turtle' doves we'd already retrospectively identified yesterday. A thread...
November 2, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Desperately seeking three French hens and a partridge in a pear tree to join these two Oriental Turtle Doves. Yes, it was back to the drawing board overnight and a retrospective ID on one of the 'turtle' doves we'd already retrospectively identified yesterday. A thread...
After having being storm blown in to a local garden overnight, delighted to release this Little Auk - known here in Shetland as a 'Rotchie' - back to the open ocean this afternoon.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 31, 2025 at 6:49 PM
After having being storm blown in to a local garden overnight, delighted to release this Little Auk - known here in Shetland as a 'Rotchie' - back to the open ocean this afternoon.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Male Northern Bullfinch illuminating Lerwick, Shetland yesterday.
Lovely views of at least six of these gorgeous Scandinavian migrants.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Lovely views of at least six of these gorgeous Scandinavian migrants.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 31, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Male Northern Bullfinch illuminating Lerwick, Shetland yesterday.
Lovely views of at least six of these gorgeous Scandinavian migrants.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Lovely views of at least six of these gorgeous Scandinavian migrants.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Brilliant views of this Steppe Grey Shrike at Scousburgh, Shetland this morning.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 29, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Brilliant views of this Steppe Grey Shrike at Scousburgh, Shetland this morning.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Marshmallows with wings and a tail.
Stunning views of three more absolutely beautiful Northern Long-tailed Tits at Tingwall, Shetland today.
Here's one of them.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Stunning views of three more absolutely beautiful Northern Long-tailed Tits at Tingwall, Shetland today.
Here's one of them.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 28, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Marshmallows with wings and a tail.
Stunning views of three more absolutely beautiful Northern Long-tailed Tits at Tingwall, Shetland today.
Here's one of them.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Stunning views of three more absolutely beautiful Northern Long-tailed Tits at Tingwall, Shetland today.
Here's one of them.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Great views of this Glossy Ibis at Virkie, Shetland this morning.
The autumn sunshine really brought out the 'glossy' in its plumage.
I always think of Gonzo from the Muppets when I see one...
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
The autumn sunshine really brought out the 'glossy' in its plumage.
I always think of Gonzo from the Muppets when I see one...
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 27, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Great views of this Glossy Ibis at Virkie, Shetland this morning.
The autumn sunshine really brought out the 'glossy' in its plumage.
I always think of Gonzo from the Muppets when I see one...
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
The autumn sunshine really brought out the 'glossy' in its plumage.
I always think of Gonzo from the Muppets when I see one...
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
One of two Northern Long-tailed Tits on the island of Yell, Shetland early this morning. It was like watching excited golf balls with wings and I'm not sure there is a word that can justify their beauty.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 26, 2025 at 5:02 PM
One of two Northern Long-tailed Tits on the island of Yell, Shetland early this morning. It was like watching excited golf balls with wings and I'm not sure there is a word that can justify their beauty.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Lovely views of this Bohemian Waxwing in Scalloway, Shetland this afternoon.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 25, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Lovely views of this Bohemian Waxwing in Scalloway, Shetland this afternoon.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
A gorgeous male 'Northern' Bullfinch at Hoswick, Shetland this afternoon. A scarce but classic late autumn migrant for us at 60° North.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM
A gorgeous male 'Northern' Bullfinch at Hoswick, Shetland this afternoon. A scarce but classic late autumn migrant for us at 60° North.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Saddened to witness this stranded Blue Shark at St. Ninian's Isle, Shetland this afternoon. The current status of this species in Shetland waters in unclear and poorly known.
An incredible creature.
#MarineLife #UKWildlife #Shark
An incredible creature.
#MarineLife #UKWildlife #Shark
October 15, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Saddened to witness this stranded Blue Shark at St. Ninian's Isle, Shetland this afternoon. The current status of this species in Shetland waters in unclear and poorly known.
An incredible creature.
#MarineLife #UKWildlife #Shark
An incredible creature.
#MarineLife #UKWildlife #Shark
Fabulous encounter with a couple of pods of Risso's Dolphins off Sumburgh Head, Shetland this morning.
Pics of three individuals from this morning and the beautiful location we watched them from.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
Pics of three individuals from this morning and the beautiful location we watched them from.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
October 14, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Fabulous encounter with a couple of pods of Risso's Dolphins off Sumburgh Head, Shetland this morning.
Pics of three individuals from this morning and the beautiful location we watched them from.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
Pics of three individuals from this morning and the beautiful location we watched them from.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
Lovely views of this Rustic Bunting at Hoswick, Shetland today.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 12, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Lovely views of this Rustic Bunting at Hoswick, Shetland today.
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
ORCAS!!
A fabulous way to end the week watching these three Orcas heading up the east coast of the south Mainland, Shetland.
Pic as they passed us close in off Compass Head this afternoon.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
A fabulous way to end the week watching these three Orcas heading up the east coast of the south Mainland, Shetland.
Pic as they passed us close in off Compass Head this afternoon.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
October 10, 2025 at 4:34 PM
ORCAS!!
A fabulous way to end the week watching these three Orcas heading up the east coast of the south Mainland, Shetland.
Pic as they passed us close in off Compass Head this afternoon.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
A fabulous way to end the week watching these three Orcas heading up the east coast of the south Mainland, Shetland.
Pic as they passed us close in off Compass Head this afternoon.
#MarineLife #MarineMammals #CetaceansUK #UKWildlife
A short video of the stunning male Siberian Thrush that has graced Asta, Shetland for the last few days. What a bird!
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 8, 2025 at 4:45 PM
A short video of the stunning male Siberian Thrush that has graced Asta, Shetland for the last few days. What a bird!
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
This first winter Red-breasted Flycatcher graced our Shetland garden early this morning. It's the second we've had in the garden so far this autumn!
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 7, 2025 at 7:47 PM
This first winter Red-breasted Flycatcher graced our Shetland garden early this morning. It's the second we've had in the garden so far this autumn!
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
Absolutely mind-blowing views of the male Siberian Thrush at Loch of Asta, Shetland this afternoon...
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
October 6, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Absolutely mind-blowing views of the male Siberian Thrush at Loch of Asta, Shetland this afternoon...
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife