Scilly 24 - Day 7

I walked down to Porthcressa this morning while Louise got ready for our visit to Tresco. FOUR Black Redstarts had been reported, I managed 3. It was cloudy initially but the sun soon broke through...

As we reached the Quay it became apparent that many people had decided to take a boat trip due to the superb weather. No matter, we had to queue a while but everyone eventually boarded and we made our way to Carn Near.

I decided to try for the Hoopoe first and took the trail along the Southern Coastal Path...

Took a while but I eventually had a flight and 'scope view. We then made our way to Abbey Pool...

...to enjoy the magnificent Whooper Swans (13)...

...I also had distant views of the lingering Osprey, which was a BIG bonus! Our passing coincided with a Helicopter departure...

After lunch in the Abbey Tea rooms (our second pasty of the trip) we continued round the Great Pool adding Pochard and Gadwall to the ever increasing Trip List. I once again passed the site of my 1996 BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER...

...no way in these days but that's hardly surprising after 28 years!!! I always pay homage here. We tried the Swarovski Hide but it was full so we moved round to the head of the lake and sat on a bench to enjoy the wonderful view until it was time to go for the boat...

While we were there a few groups of swans headed our way. I was hoping Whooper but they were all Mute. We had spectacular views as they flew low, close past us...even Louise was impressed...

A lovely moment occurred when the last two flew low along the Lake towards us. Only one appeared over the vegetation and carried on West? 2 minutes later it returned to join its mate and they arched necks to bond once more.

Middle Friday tomorrow, time to switch Digs. It's also Louise's Birthday. A MEGA and a meal in the Atlantic would be a nice double!?

Trip Total - 78 Species

Scilly 24 - Day 6

 No "breaking news" this morning so I had a stroll down to Lower Moors to try for my "Nemesis" YBW. Some seeing "flocks"...but not me. Must try harder. On the way I bumped into the same Tour group I'd seen on previous days, a very pleasant bunch. They'd found some more Firecrests, always worth lingering for. They soon moved on but despite giving it another 30 minutes none were seen well enough to identify, let alone photograph! 

As I was approaching the gate a familiar face was approaching with his Border Collie. It was Viv Stratton. A legend on Scilly who's been visiting the Islands for many years. It was an opportunity to talk to him "one to one" and I spent a VERY pleasant and at times poignant 20 minutes talking Dogs and Birds. Hope he felt the same?! I wished him well and he made his way back to Hugh Town to feed his extremely well trained Dog...

I entered Lower Moors and Birded my way to the unfortunately named Shooters Pool. I figured I may connect with Firecrest or YBW here, as well as having a chance of a few Trip Ticks? A Cetti's Warbler was heard and a Moorhen swam across for a couple of additions. No luck with the target Birds. A Spotted Crake had been reported in the area the previous evening and as I left I caught sight of a fast disappearing small Bird that scurried behind an Island. I mentioned to this to the Birder next to me but the Bird didn't re-appear before I left? I was pretty sure it was the SC.

I made my way to Old Town Bay on the strength of a Kingfisher report. Luck was with me, as within 5 minutes it flew across the bay over the seaweed at low tide! Other birds present were Great White Egret...

and a couple of Greenshanks.

I then returned to Lower Moors and spotted a couple of Swallows on wires nearby...

Then some interesting news...

Spotted Crake at Shooters Pool

...complete with pic! There you go!! I returned but there was no further sign, although a Water Rail showed briefly for another Trip Tick...

I finished off at Porthloo, one of my favourite spots. The afternoon rain had melted away to give a wonderful sunset. I just sat on the bench and enjoyed it, accompanied by a couple of Stonechats... 

and a male Black Redstart. Bliss...

Trip Total - 71 Species

Scilly 24 - Day 5

Last night confirmation came through that a BLYTH'S PIPIT was present on the wonderful Island of Bryher. A boat had been specially arranged to leave at 11.30, so we decided to make the trip over.

We arrived at the Quay just after 11 but I was surprised to see only a handful of Birders present? As we walked along I noticed a boat full at the far end. It was full! Fortunately a second boat was approaching.

The weather was kind again and we arrived at 11.50 and headed straight for the Fragile Rock Bar for a coffee. I was playing it cool...lol!

As you can see, we were the only visitors present. This is the Site of my 1999 COMMON NIGHTHAWK sighting...I just HAD to give it a mention! Full story in right column...if you haven't seen it already?

We then headed to the other side of the Island near Hell Bay to try for the PIPIT...

Helluva View

A distant group of 9 Swans on Hell Bay pool suggested Whooper but turned out to be Mute... my first. 30 minutes later I was on Site and joined the expectant crowd. They were all looking into a grass field and viewing was difficult. No sign for 30 minutes...then...a radio message to inform everyone it was in the adjacent horse paddock!

Everyone shuffled around the corner and were soon enjoying clear, if distant views of the Bird at the far side. I managed a couple of record shots through the heads...

The Bird soon took off and flew over everyone calling, which was an added bonus!

This is my 3rd record of this Species on these remarkable Islands following on from a Bird on St Mary's in 2006 and a remarkably confiding Bird on Tresco in 2007. It's my 5th in Britain having seen my first at Languard in 1994 and one at Calder Wetlands in Yorkshire in 2014.

On Scilly there's always the chance of an unexpected sighting and this was illustrated once again when a Marsh Harrier flew over Church Quay as we were waiting for the boat back to St Mary's...

Trip Total - 62 Species 

Scilly 24 - Day 4

Catch up post due to our first visit to the legendary Atlantic last night. As wonderful as ever!

Yesterday I made my way once again up past Buzza Tower onto Peninnis. Nothing new had broken, so I continued my plan of regularly checking Sites in the immediate area. The continuing STL was another "pull"...

...and I had a clear view on this occasion, just a pity it was overcast with drizzle. There were plenty of Scilly Song Thrushes (c20) about...

...and a couple of Redwings...

Plenty of bathing Blackbirds around also, having a wash in the puddles on the road...

After a bite and a cuppa, we made our way down to Old Town to try for the Pied Flycatcher. Unbeknown to me a Red-breasted Flycatcher was present in Carn Gwarval quarry (I overlooked the message). I joined the small group of admirers and within 15 minutes I had a decent view and pic...

This bird was high in a tree some 40yds away! Another shout out for the LUMIX.

No sign of the PF but this sighting was more than adequate compensation. Around 3pm Louise drifted back to Hugh Town and I made my way towards the Airport to try for Whinchat. Another training walk up there eventually had me at the cafe for a much needed drink. A quick chat with a Birder I recognised, who was wondering if he'd "get off" with the low cloud (he did) and then onto the field below the Airport where the Bird had been reported. Took some time but I eventually connected...

Only saw the Bird for a few seconds. I returned via Old Town Bay and added Greenshank...

Trip Total - 59 Species

Scilly 24 - Day 3

I decided to have a stroll around the North Bays this morning. I scored on Porthmellon with a flock of Turnstone feeding on the seaweed. As I headed for Porthloo I heard the familiar tones of Dick Filby over the radio announcing the presence of large numbers of Cory's Shearwaters off Peninnis, some "close in". I thought (briefly) about going back for my 'scope but declined and headed down King Edwards Road...eventually! I passed the digs I stayed in with my son Robert in 1997...the Year of the COMMON YELLOWTHROAT...

This was my first trip to the end...

I found a spot on the grass and started to scan...

Sure enough I soon started to pick up Cory's with my Trinnies! Eventually I manage to record the event with my trusty Lumix...

OK, silhouettes into the sun but still remarkable from land. I saw c20 birds drifting back and forth. I wasn't going to get anything better so I returned down the road to take another look at the Short-toed Lark as I was passing. The pale Lark was easily picked out as it fed on its own. It was very difficult to get a clear shot through the weeds, so I was chuffed with this head-on image...

I was meeting the boss at Old Town, so I dropped down the trail and added Linnet (46)...

As I was approaching the bottom a message informed me that a couple of Firecrests had been seen there. Handy! I joined the tour group and soon we were enjoying the Birds. Typically mobile and elusive but I had great naked eye and Bins views. I was less fortunate with the camera!

A record shot...maybe?

After meeting up, we returned to the flat for lunch.

Rain was forecast around 5, so we headed down to Lower Moors for a couple of hours at 2. The WILSON'S SNIPE debate was about to re-appear! 

I made my way towards the ISBG Hide anticipating a decent gathering. I passed a mature Birder whom I had spoken to previously. He said there was a queue and he'd come away, as he'd seen one before, as I had. I decided to take a look anyway. Luckily quite a few were coming away now and I walked straight into the Hide and got a seat! Also the said Bird was showing well enabling me to get a decent pic...

I'll leave it to the "experts" to decide.

After leaving Lower Moors I decided to visit Porthloo after all. This turned out to be another good decision, as on arrival a Great White Egret was resting at the cliff base...

Shortly afterwards it flew West across the bay...

I also added Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin...

A Whimbrel flew across the Bay as I left.

I returned home for 4.30 to beat the rain and mentally prepare myself to watch England!

SNIPE Update: It's now being muted there are possibly multiple birds!?

Trip Total - 55 Species

Scilly 24 - Day 2

Yesterday was going to be a hard act to follow. Still, I'll have a go! I started off at Little Porth, Porthcressa while Louise got ready...

Another cracking Autumn day...

I added Rock Pipit...

...and had amazing views of the lingering and VERY tame Black Redstart...

We...or more accurately I, had decided to visit St Agnes as the sea was calm and the Olive-backed Pipit was still present. Took some time but with the help of James and his "thermal" the bird eventually gave me my best ever views of this elusive Species...

We finally tracked down the lone(ly) Pink-footed Goose (rare here)...

Lunch was the mandatory Pasty in the Turks Head...

The views are breathtaking...

We also paid homage to the ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (2008) site...

I also added Spotted Flycatcher and Chiffchaff. A touch of late excitement came when a message informed me a Corncrake had been seen...complete with photo. Yet another example of what these Islands can produce. We made our way down Barnaby Lane but met some dejected Birders returning who informed us there had been no further sign...unsurprisingly! Time was tight so we headed for the Quay...

The last hour was spent scoping Porthcressa. I added Pied Wagtail, Little Egret and Curlew. The day belonged to the Pipit though...

Trip Total - 42 Species