Ton Up!

Had a pleasant session at Duff on Wednesday morning with Haydn. Arrived around 9.30 and had 3 hours. Some maintenance work was taking place by the Staff and we had a chat with Ben and Craig. The viewing will be much improved for the Winter and hopefully some more work on the Scrape.

Still quiet due to the lack of water but there were Birds "about". The highlight came in the form of a single Goldcrest right in front of the Hide briefly, bringing up my 100 for the Year.

No sign of any Whooper Swans or Pink-footed Geese on this visit but a few Raptors showed up namely Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. No luck with Peregrine.

I intended to another visit on returning from Lancashire but time ran away and I headed back to the Coast to avoid the Friday afternoon madness. Instead I headed down to Welwick for an hour but it was VERY quiet. Admittedly I didn't venture up to the viewpoint BUT I've often seen Harriers and Owls form the track. I shall return...

Scilly 25 - Summary

That's it then for another Year! We managed to get off early on Friday which was a relief due to the strong winds and spent Saturday making the long drive home, after a nice overnight stay at Helston.

First thought is that I made it and managed to negotiate my way around the Islands (St Mary's except for the first day on Agnes). Could have been better, could have been worse but ALWAYS enjoyable. I was obviously restricted in where I could get to...but I did my best! This affected my Total for the Visit but that's just a side issue and has never been a major consideration...just a fact!

A high intensity opening after travelling down, culminating with an exciting day on St Agnes enjoying MOURNING DOVE, AMERICAN PIPIT and Hoopoe. The young lad at the Cafe asked me if I'd "been for a run" when I met Louise off the boat!! Good fortune eventually, after perseverance, with the Old Town Rose-coloured Starling was satisfying. 

Other notables for various reasons were...

Knot
Cattle Egret
Merlin
Kingfisher (x2)
Yellow-browed Warbler (photographed)
Spotted Flycatcher (photographed)
Mistle Thrush
Firecrest
Red-backed Shrike

Always the possibility of a BIG ONE throughout...and it happened as described. VERY disappointing I can't lie BUT when I reflect on the Month as a whole the Gem was no doubt...the NEEDLETAIL...I thank the "Birding Gods" for my connection late on the 8th!!! The BLACK-FACED BUNTING didn't sting much at all...and I AM keen on my County List? There'll be another.

I've managed to secure both weeks at Louise's favourite residence next year (large points scored). This will mean our visit will be put back a week and our "window" now becomes October 16th - 30th. So, full circle to include..."Teacher's Week". It doesn't matter to me, as plenty of "Good Birds" have turned up late in the Month. I just have to make sure I'm in better "nick".

I'm aware of repetition although I don't always succeed, so I'll leave it there. You never know, I could be back down to the "Fortunate Isles" again this Year yet?!

Scilly 25 - Day 14

Sam from Toots Taxis kindly agreed to pick me up at 7.15 this morning to take me back to Sophie's Walk. The wind was howling as I waited for her to arrive spot on time. It was still dark as she dropped me off but that was fine as I enjoy an "early one"... now and again...

Around 7.45 I made my way slowly across the boardwalk and took up my position, I was first there.

I was joined by 3 others as 8.03 (the time of yesterday's first sighting) came and went. A few more hopefuls turned up including Dick Filby and Simon Slade. I had a good chat with Simon as we waited hopefully. The wind remained strong throughout the morning as most eventually moved on as the outlook became more pessimistic. I gave it till Noon before departing...

Another Dip Site etched in my memory 

Coulda, woulda, shoulda once again. A combined effort of 12 hours over 3 days for no reward. A combination of bad luck and some questionable strategy meant this one got away. I was aware it was seen again yesterday, early afternoon as I returned from Hugh Town in the rain from lunch with Louise after a long morning vigil. I WASN'T aware it was on view for c1 hour!!!

I DID go back...but it has gone and wasn't seen again!

 

Obviously gutted to miss this quality Bird, especially as its one from my favourite Family. I gave it everything I had which is consolation indeed. It just wasn't to be.

Back to strategy and planning. A couple of things that may help, if you're planning a visit. Network coverage is variable. I have EE and Louise has O2. Being a regular visitor I was aware that the latter has better coverage with Vodafone. I considered switching to O2 but as Louise has it and I also have a radio (coverage also variable) I didn't want the hassle. BIG mistake. I'm not saying it cost me the Thrush BUT it may have done? Information is key... right?

I did enjoy my stake out, if not the outcome. I was in a place I love to be with a chance of seeing a "Great Bird". I saw many locals and others from further afield coming and going. The atmosphere was cordial throughout. That's the thing about Scilly, it reeks of History and I love it. So many memories for me.

It appears the BLACK-FACED BUNTING has also departed Spurn, another "one that got away". Always a possibility when you "commit". No matter, I'm in the right place.

Thoughts are now switching to our departure as the Forecast looks dodgy with continuing Gale Force winds into tomorrow. We're scheduled for the last flight but there's no predicted decrease. At least we have accommodation if we can't get off. Time will tell...

Trip Total - 66 Species 

Scilly 25 - Day 13

I've had better days!

I considered "going for dawn" to the EYEBROWED THRUSH Site...but I declined! The taxi service didn't start till 8 and I didn't fancy the "crutch walk" in the dark.

Of course the Bird was seen at 8.03...briefly!

I stayed till 12.30 before leaving for lunch with Louise in Town as the rain started. There were a couple of brief sightings but it was only seen by the initial observer/s.

Whilst having lunch at Kavorna (highly recommended) the rain set in. We decided to return to our Flat. Louise went on ahead. As I was approaching the Lady driver of the Taxi I had returned to Town in recognised me and shouted out of the window..."It's been seen again feeding on apples"!

At this moment there was no way I was going back!?

Once in our Flat I took my soaked gear off and reflected. I read the messages, looked out of the window at the rain...and thought...why not, I didn't have any other plans for the afternoon.

Back in the Taxi and back to the Site. The rain was heavier than ever as I took my place with the small group of Birders present. They included Mark Jones and Simon. I could see the apples that had been placed in the open as the rain became torrential. It's at moments like this I question my sanity! Maybe this is the balance for my luck with the NEEDLETAIL...as Simon pointed out. I wouldn't swap. He also offered his condolences for my recent loss...a mark of the man. Much appreciated pal.

Another Simon (Slade) appeared, he'd just arrived with his wife, it was good to see him again albeit under trying circumstances. I gave it till 4 then returned after a chat with both Simon's. That's around 8 hours worth of Dip and counting.

It's all good "fun". Maybe tomorrow?

Scilly 25 - Day 12

 Well "IT" arrived!!!

9.39 Scilly EYE-BROWED THRUSH St Mary's at Porthloo near the Duckpond

Something ALWAYS turns up here...eventually. There was personal good and bad news. I'd booked a Cart for the day but we were at the Pharmacy attending to a minor matter and I had no signal of any type. On returning to the flat briefly I saw Alan Hannington and Higgo hastily jumping into a car, so I knew something was afoot? After sorting ourselves out we headed for the Duck Pond. It was quite busy!!!

A few false alarms but no further sign by the time we left at 11.45. In hindsight I maybe could have arrived earlier BUT it's irrelevant now. It would turn up on the one morning we had something "on". It's NOT all good luck here. Fortunately its not a British Tick as I saw the Auchmithie Bird in Spring 95. Maybe it will be relocated? The scale of the Rarity (31st record) brought most Birders to the Site c100. I saw many familiar faces including Simon another stalwart who informed me he'd seen the 1987 Bird! You must have started young pal! The last record here was 1993 and this is the 8th in total. There was a record in 1991, my first visit but it was earlier in the month before "Teachers Week".

So...a BIG dip. After returning for some lunch I decided to try for a few Trip ticks that were on offer around the Island, making the most of our transport. We started in Old Town where our target was a GWE. Sure enough the Bird was feeding happily in the Bay...

A particularly fine Specimen I thought.

Next it was the Churchyard, Louise walked down to a familiar bench while I checked out the field the Spotted Flycatcher had been reported in. The visibility was limited from the gate but I stood and waited hoping for some movement. I saw a couple of "flickers" that looked promising...then there it was, fortunately performing in the near corner of the field...

We then moved up the Island to Telegraph passing a group of Birders on the way. Turns out they were watching a Red-backed Shrike, so a quick U-turn in the "mobile" and a bit of help getting into position had me getting great views through a Scope...much obliged! The Bird was distant and into the Sun but I managed a record shot...

As we ventured further another small group were waiting for views of a Little Bunting but a combination of wind and no recent sightings had us moving on once more...BUT not far...as just down the road another small group were staking out a Yellow-browed Warbler. This is a Species I don't have much luck with but the area the Bird had been seen in was quite open, if somewhat distant. An adjacent Birder said it was calling constantly... I took his word for it! I concentrated on a lone Sallow which was quite open in habit. After around 10 minutes, up it popped...

c50 Yards

Complete with out of focus heads in front of me as I was sat on the Cart! Four quality Birds within a Mile!

Alas, no further sign of the Star Bird despite extensive searching. Could still be around though?

Trip Total - 66 Species

Scilly 25 - Day 11

We made our way through Town this morning to the Mermaid Car Park by the Harbour. A Common Scoter had been lingering there for a few days. After a lively night I figured it may be tucked into the Bay...it was...

This was only my 2nd record for Scilly.

A couple of snippets of MEGA news this morning...

09.22 Shetland GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER last week at an undisclosed site but no sign since

My Word!!! Not just a first for Britain BUT a First for the Western Palearctic! Also it's a Myiarchus  Species...a cracking Bird to boot! Alas, it was photographed by a non-Birder some days ago and no sign since. Obviously frustrating for Birders on Shetland at the time. Speaking of frustrating...

11.12 MEGA E.Yorks BLACK-FACED BUNTING Spurn south of the Breach

A Yorkshire Tick in prospect for yours truly just a few miles down the road from home. You know the drill by now and so do I. You make your choices and enjoy it...OR you don't commit and stay at home waiting for the Alert. I prefer the former. So many variables in Rarity hunting, that's part of the "fun". NOTHING will stop us coming to Scilly in October, it's part of our Year, besides I've still got 4 days for the BIG ONE to arrive here? Imagine the scenario where I left to twitch the BUNTING only to find it had departed overnight and a "Whopper" had arrived on Scilly...and couldn't get back because of the Weather! That HAS happened to Birders.The Good Lady would let me go with her blessing BUT...that's not going to happen.

My luck ran out there BUT I'd MUCH rather have seen the NEEDLETAIL. You can't win 'em all. There'll be another..?

The afternoon was spent around Town and Porthcressa with 5 Swallows being the highlight. Another visit to the Atlantic tonight and then our second "Cart Day" aka Twitchmobile tomorrow, hopefully coinciding with a significant arrival...

...for a splash of inspiration...

October 21st, 2000 SPECTACLED WARBLER Tresco

Trip Total - 62 Species

Scilly 25 - Day 10

I was hoping by now to have a "Blockbuster" post to share with you but unfortunately I'm still waiting. Last Friday was pretty good to be fair.

After strong wind and heavy rain overnight today was another glorious one, arguably the best so far...

Porthcressa from Peninnis

I had a walk to the Childrens Playground and looked back over the Bay as you can see. This is my favourite Bay on the Island. Before I set off I bumped into Viv Stratton walking his Sheepdog along the front. It was great to see him again. He stopped for a chat and we discussed Birds and Dogs for a while before he moved on. One of the "Legends of Scilly"...no doubt and a nice guy to boot!

I managed to pick out an elegant Greenshank into the sun...

...there were also at least 3 Black Restarts present.

After lunch I fancied a walk to Porthloo to try for the Knot that had been seen there. Looking at my records I was unsure if I'd seen this Species on Scilly...context and all that. It was just the motivation I needed...and besides it was far too nice to be inside. We worked our way around the Bays and arrived at our favourite bench around 2.30. I managed to negotiate myself into a sitting position by the rocks so I could see right along the Beach in both directions.

The tide was in now and I didn't fancy my chances. 11 Little Egrets were roosting on the Rocks at the Eastern end...

I just managed to "catch" a Wheatear...

No sign of the Target Bird or any Waders at all in 30 minutes. Porthloo is always "Birdy" though, so there's always something to see. Then a flock of Sanderling flew along the Beach and landed. They were into the sun but I could still scan through the "clockwork toys". There was a fat one. There it was! The flock flew almost immediately so I didn't get a pic unfortunately. According to my Spreadsheet Knot confirmation puts me on 253 for Scilly. A topic for a Winter's evening.

I counted at least 10 Black Redstarts...

This one had some company

Returning for the Big Match we bumped into Andy Holden and his Wife Vicky with their young girl. More Scilly Stalwarts. We had a chat before moving on.

So, 5 Days remaining and a couple of Storms due, tomorrow and Thursday? They don't appear to have a "long drag" across the Atlantic BUT they offer some hope...after all...it is OCTOBER!!!

Trip Total - 61 Species

Scilly 25 - Day 9

We've been lucky with the Weather so far...if not the Rare Birds! As on some previous visits, the first day was the the Best...so far. A mop up on St Agnes was great fun and the MOURNING DOVE was obviously special...although slightly tinged with it being my 2nd and...it has to be said, not exactly a stunner!

No matter, we're settled into our favourite place now which has great History for us, having stumbled on it while it was in the process of being renovated we were shown round by a very nice couple namely Roger and Kathy Banfield. The place has since changed ownership but we still remember them fondly. It's a superb spacious, well appointed flat and Louise loves it, which definitely helps the whole occasion...if you get my drift!

The wind and rain has set in today so it's the Forest v Chelsea game for me after last night's celebrations. It's a holiday not an endurance test...I'm ready if needed though! I've trudged the paths on all islands in all weather for many Year, so I reckon I've earned a more strategic approach.

So, Saturday lunchtime and all's quiet on the "Scene". 

A few Black Redstart attempts from yesterday at Little Porth...numbers have increased dramatically over recent days.

I sat on the rocks watching a trio feeding and jostling giving great views...

2 Atlantic Systems passing on Monday and Thursday. "Stand by yer beds"...

Trip Total - 60 Species

Scilly 25 - Day 8

Moving Day complete

Unfortunately Birds weren't moving today. To be honest I wasn't disappointed as we enjoyed a leisurely day around Town and Porthcressa Bay...

The Weather was superb, a light Southwesterly and glorious sunshine at around 18c. I'm storing up brownie points for the Bad/Good Birding weather forecast over the weekend and beyond!?

Unsurprisingly no additions to the Trip List. There were Birds available e.g. Wryneck and Common Rosefinch but the walks were to stiff for yours truly...this Trip. 

Birthday meal for the Good Lady this evening (more points scored), so while I'm waiting for her I thought I'd give myself a boost for the coming week with a brief list of Birds I've seen in or around these dates (18th - 25th) previously. Not a boast (would I?) just a fact...

SORA

UPLAND SANDPIPER

SOLITARY SANDPIPER

CREAM-COLOURED COURSER (seen 30/9 but present throughout October)

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (16th)

COMMON NIGHTHAWK

CHIMNEY SWIFT

BLYTH'S PIPIT

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH

BLUE ROCK-THRUSH (17th)) 

AMERICAN ROBIN (27th)

RED-EYED VIREO

SPECTACLED WARBLER

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (14th)

BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT

BLACKPOLL WARBLER

OVENBIRD (28th)

INDIGO BUNTING

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK

You can see the attraction!!! Bearing in mind some followers will be more than aware of this...others won't. The next SEVEN days are unpredictable BUT odds are good for something "decent" to turn up? If not, it's still a nice holiday at this time of Year...

Scilly 25 - Day 7

I treated myself to a Cart today...I reckoned I'd earned it! Louise picked it up at 9 from just down the road and brought it back to our place in preparation for our day around St Mary's...

My Chauffeur for the Day

The weather wasn't the best...for Birds or Birders. so we decided to head for the shelter of the wonderful  subtropical Carreg Dhu Gardens...

...to try for a Firecrest. Fortunately I had a brief but stunning view on arrival. Then some excitement at last. A Stone Curlew had been heard overnight by a camper on St Agnes!  At 10.25 it was seen on Old Town Beach briefly before flying towards Peninnis. It ended up on Bryher!!This would have been a Scilly Tick...but you "had to be there"...I wasn't. It disappeared just after Noon.

After an early lunch back at the flat we ventured out again in inclement weather to try for a Cattle Egret that had been reported near the Airport. Viewing was difficult but it seemed to have flown off. As we were resting on our Cart a Birder walked up and sat on an adjacent bench. After a while I was sure it was Richard, an old friend from when I lived near York. He'd messaged me to say he was visiting, so it was great to finally bump into him after 25+ Years! Thought I'd give you a mention, after all you do read my Blog! He said he was really enjoying his visit and hoped to return next Year. Hopefully see you again then pal.

We then headed up to Telegraph scoring with a fly-by Mistle Thrush (not a gimme here) and around 50 Redwings. We continued down to Newford Duck Pond which was the driest I'd ever seen it. No luck with Warblers so we returned to park at Carreg Dhu and start the stiff walk (Cart only allowed on tarmac) up to Longstones for a piece of Victoria Sponge and another chance of Cattle Egret. Cheating I know but hey...why not!?

As we reached the Car Park a couple of Birders were present. One gave a tip on viewing which referred to the end table in the Cafe!! Fortunately it was free and sure enough he was correct as I could see through the small gap in the bushes and into the field with the Cattle. Almost immediately the 2 Cattle Egrets came into view...

A "through the window shot" but you get the idea. This is the same field I saw this Species last year! As we left I popped around the corner for a clearer view...

The Cattle then moved away followed by the Birds but not before I grabbed an image of both together...

Moving day tomorrow as we move trundle 100 yards down the road to our second accommodation. There's a wind of change brewing over the Weekend with some strong Westerlies involved. Time will tell?

Trip Total - 60

Scilly 25 - Day 6

We walked around the three bays to the East of Town this morning. Porthmellon held the largest flock of Sanderling I've ever seen on the Island. My first of the Trip. I confidently counted 210!

The East winds have definitely brought more Black Redstarts to the Islands. I saw three on this Beach...

I moved on to Porthloo which has always been a favourite of mine. more Black Redstarts, at least 6 here...

Ring Ouzels had also arrived in force...but I couldn't find one! I also had my first Wheatear and Chaffinch of the Trip. 6 Little Egrets were resting on the rocks at the Eastern end with a surprise Whimbrel. My second Kingfisher shot across the Bay. Stonechats were plentiful. 

Luxury day tomorrow as we're hiring a Cart for the day. Hopefully there'll be something to chase? Still quiet but something is on the way...?

Trip Total - 54

Scilly 25 - Day 5

Another mature "aka" slow start this morning, after a great night in the Atlantic...

Cheers!

I made my way down to Porthcressa to try for the lingering Black Redstart at Little Porth. A few admirers were already "in situ" but the Bird was mobile but eventually came my way...

It's an annual passage migrant sometimes in considerable numbers but should never be dismissed. I also added Mediterranean Gull, White Wagtail, Goldfinch and Greenfinch

Large numbers of Gannets (c100) were feeding in the distance at the entrance to the Bay...

A few Swallows (6) passed by and a lone Greenshank came in late and landed in Little Porth, as we were leaving...

Another generally quiet day on the Islands...but then again...

Rose-coloured Starling

Common Rosefinch

Jack Snipe

Ring Ouzel

Wryneck

Yellow-browed Warbler

...were all available

St Agnes held...

MOURNING DOVE

American Pipit

Spotted Sandpiper

Little Bunting

Lapland Bunting

...so maybe not so "quiet" after all!

Trip Total - 52

Scilly 25 - Day 4

My view from my bench on Porthcressa this morning, whilst I re-charged...

There's worse places to be

A Black Redstart had been reported at the Peninnis end but I couldn't find it. I did add Rock Pipit and Stonechat though. Earlier a Marsh Harrier had flown over Morning Point.

A Bird reported as a Garden Warbler in the Standing Stones field was now mooted to be Booted? It didn't develop like many claims on Scilly. Expectation levels! ALWAYS better to flag things up though.

We had a late lunch back at the Flat with nothing else of note being seen...or reported. It's quiet but that's OK.... we're here! Plenty of time for things to liven up which it no doubt will. 

Another part of Island life is the unpredictable nature of services and that includes the Internet... which has temporarily crashed. Hence I'm writing this from the Shelter on Town Bay. Nothing of interest demanding another yomp late afternoon, so it's a coffee and preparation for our much anticipated first visit to the Atlantic. I'm keen but I'm not stupid!? It IS our Holiday.

Clint Eastwood..."A man's got to know his limitations"

The long walk back from Old Town after a 3.5 hour vigil took it out of me I don't mind admitting. Enjoyable though.

Birds available today include the wonderful Firecrest but none are nearby. I hope to connect at some point?

A VEERY has just been found on the Inner Hebrides at Islay. Brings back memories of my Trip to Muck in November 2011. Arriving on less than favourable winds?

The Easterlies are set to continue for the next few days but things will change, they always do...

Trip Total - 45

Scilly 25 - Day 3

Trying to think what happened first?!

Oh yes, I made it to the Shelter on Town Beach...

A picture 

After Louise had read for a while we set off towards the Dump Clump...

I added Ringed Plover and Turnstone on Porthmellon Beach on the way. I gave it 45 minutes in which time Louise nipped back for my fleece (I chose well). The only Bird I saw was a Goldcrest.

We continued towards Old Town through the School grounds. A few Scilly Song Thrushes were present on the playing field...

A Rose-coloured Starling juv had been present around the Pub for a while BUT I was pleased to see the Cafe was still open which saved a trip up yet another hill!

As we were waiting for our lunch there was some focus from nearby Birders, so I made my way along to the group. I saw the Bird through my Bins but it flew off before I could photograph it. I returned to the Cafe for Lunch. Afterwards I found a seat on the bay wall and waited hoping it would return. After around an hour Louise headed back and I stuck it out. I wasn't going anywhere else now. Birders came and went and a few lingered, as I did.

Then someone spotted it on the wire some 50 yards away...

The admirers moved down as it seemed to drop in the field behind them. I eventually joined them and started to have a chat with Roger from Bath (I said I'd give you a mention). It was his last day and he was hoping to see this Bird before his departure, so he was obviously chuffed although he was hoping for a better view. As we chatted and discussed our former teaching occupation Birders started to leave and it ended up with just the two of us. As we chatted some more, I caught sight of a single Bird on the wire above...

Enforced patience had paid off! For many years I'd charge around all over the Islands but that isn't possible now. However I'm still connecting with most targets at a much more leisurely pace. Another example being this distant Merlin over our stake out...

...and a Kingfisher in the Harbour...

The RCS ended up dropping into the lower vegetation to end a good day...

I bumped into Roger again on the way back, maybe we'll meet again next Year?

Trip Total - 43