Scotland-first sighting of rare bird in Virkie
SCOTLAND’s first sighting of an Egyptian Nightjar bird brought excitement to bird enthusiasts in Shetland yesterday (Saturday).
The bird was spotted in Virkie by Roger Riddington.
It is only the third sighting in Britain on record, with the previous ones coming in 1883 and 1984.
Shetland Wildlife’s Hugh Harrop said it was a “dream bird to see in Shetland”.
“It was on nobody’s radar,” he added, “but again, Shetland delivers.”
Two breeding populations of this species are located in north-west Africa and from Kazakhstan to Sinai.
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