Scilly 26 - Day 9

Wet and Windy!

Like most of Britain now. News came through early that there would be no transport to or from the Islands till Tuesday at least. The Boat won't sail until Wednesday! This obviously affects many people...and Birders. I feel particularly sorry for those trying to get ON (there's worse places to be if you can't get off...as long as you can get accommodation). Looking forward to a Visit only to see it thwarted by the Weather is cruel indeed. Some I know have abandoned their Trip altogether. Some I guess will try to fly over on Tuesday?

More MEGA news today with the much anticipated arrival in Britain of a NUTCRACKER!!! Fortunately I'm old enough to have seen the Cocknage Wood Bird in Staffs 2/11/1991. This was straight after my first visit here! From reports I'm seeing this Bird is exhibiting the same liking for Gardens. The Bird I saw was EXTREMELY tame.

I rose early to prepare for my visit to Porth Hellick to try for the SORA. I met my Taxi at 8 and I was in the Seaward Hide 30 minutes later. I figured most would have seen it by now and an early arrival would guarantee me a seat in the tiny Hide. This paid off, as it was empty. This was just as well as it was raining heavily in a strong wind. Once settled, I started to scan the mud in front of and either side of the Hide...

The light was poor...

At least I was OUT and Birding. Almost immediately a Kingfisher (52) landed on the T perch right in front of the Hide. Far to dark and quick for a pic. To the right of the Hide I picked up a bobbing movement that could only mean one thing...

Jack Snipe (53)

Arguably THE best place in Britain to get extended close views of this Species? Common Snipe (54) was also present. No sign of the main target though in an hour. Then 3 of the locals appeared, I recognised Higgo and enjoyed their company for a good while but we couldn't locate the SORA. After they moved on Bernie Beck and his mate appeared and later Spider turned up but still no sign by 10. Yet another Birder appeared, he looked through the side slit and immediately said casually "the SORA'S here!!!

...and so it was...

The light was still VERY poor and the Bird was constantly on the move feeding but it gave incredibly close views and at one point was right in front of the Hide to 10'!!! It had appeared from out of the blue. Timing eh!

This is my 4th Record here, following on from 1991, 2005 (Tresco) and 2013. Again. definitely the Location to see this Species...

After thanking "the finder"he left the Hide as did Bernie and his mate. I wasn't going anywhere in this weather, as it continued to "sheet down" with typical Western Approaches rain! Then an old mate turned up, namely Mark Halliday. It was great to see him again. We've known each other for many years and we talked for a good hour (quietly) before I had to leave for my return transport. He told me his mates Paul Freestone and Adam Hutt were supposed to be joining him for the Week but that is now unfortunately, out of the question. Really bad luck.

I have been more fortunate...on this occasion, as we have until Friday afternoon (at least!?) to enjoy the Islands further and hopefully...I will have something "special" to see. 

I got another chance with the Kingfisher thanks to Mark...

Cart Day tomorrow.

Trip Total - 55 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 8

A short one tonight as basically not much happening. Tremendous overnight Storm. Fortunately our bedroom is in the basement so we missed all the racket.

I returned to Porthcressa as it faces South and was reasonably sheltered as the Winds continued to be Gale Force. No rain though mercifully. I bumped into Dick Filby who I had been told, had left the Islands. He's almost certainly delayed his departure due to the Storm. Smart move.

The horizon looked angry beyond Morning Point...

St Agnes in the distance

A report that the Great Northern Diver had remained in the Bay had me searching diligently. Granted it was obviously choppy but all I saw were Shags and Cormorants?

I didn't expect to see the Boss but she turned up with a Latte. I chose well!

Then a Merlin circled the Bay disturbing everything in its path. I've had several great sightings this Trip. Always special.

Then a "context sighting". You know I like one of those! The "prom" always has scrounging House Sparrows present, as do all of the outdoor eating establishments. One Bird caught my eye on the very edge...

Greenfinch - my first of the Trip!

Tomorrow I'll be getting wrapped up as I'm grabbing an early Taxi to Porth Hellick to try (at last) for the SORA. Not many visiting Birders left now so I should get a place in the Hide? The Forecast is grim indeed with rain joining the continuing Gale Force wind. It's set to continue throughout the day, so I may be watching/listening to the Footy in the afternoon. I'm keen but hopefully not too daft!

Cart booked for Sunday. Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 51 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 7

Another "Twist of Fate" occurred early doors...

8.56 East Yorkshire male SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT Spurn 

You have to laugh?!

Coupled with the continuing presence of the RUFOUS-TAILED ROBIN at Flamborough and the CHESTNUT BUNTING on Shetland, Autumn 26 isn't going too well for yours truly!!!

Not forgetting the remaining taxonomic nightmare Shrike in my Village!

Ah well... onwards. My transport arrived at 9.15 with the "Good Lady" behind the wheel. She brought great news that we can hire a Cart next week after all, which is a huge bonus under the circumstances.

As we were leaving news came through of a Scaup (50) in Porthcressa Bay with the feral Ducks! This was handy as the Bay is just behind our apartment. On arrival a few admirers were already present and the Bird was showing well close in to the Beach...

We also had a sighting of the Scillonian arriving...

It was leaving at 11 before the Storm gathered strength. We won't see it again till Monday...at least? There where also some Mediterranean Gulls showing well further along the Beach...

I bumped into Simon again. He was leaving at lunchtime so it was nice to be able to say goodbye for another Year. One of the good guys.

We then headed up to the Garrison at the Star Castle Hotel... 

The view from here is magnificent and one of the best on the Island for me...

We watched her leave as the horn sounded...

Bon Voyage

As you know, for me the Sea is for looking at, not being on but I have to admit to a touch of nostalgia, bearing in mind this will be its last Season before being replaced. She's been serving the Islands since 1977! My first sail was 1991 in a Force 8. I've wised up since then.

We then headed to a few new areas including Content Farm and Rocky Hills without seeing anything of interest. A few Trip Ticks were on offer including a Lapwing but we couldn't find it...or anything else for that matter. We had 30 minutes at Porthloo and I managed better views of Black Redstart...

... before adjourning for lunch at Longstones. We were aware that the Weather was going to deteriorate but we managed to get to 3 before the rain and wind arrived and Louise returned the Cart.

We'll be hunkering down for a period now as the Islands deal with the Storm. Gale Force winds overnight and through Friday, followed by torrential rain on Saturday. 

What did I say about Shetland lol! So... this part of the "Master Plan" is still in place, as we have till next Friday for Birds to arrive?

As I'm pacing myself I thought I'd revisit (encourage myself) with some "Previous Records" of mine from here that have occurred after the 22nd...

1991

SORA

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH also 2002

BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT

1996

BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER

AMERICAN BLACK DUCK

1997

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT

BLACKPOLL WARBLER

1999

CHIMNEY SWIFT

UPLAND SANDPIPER

COMMON NIGHTHAWK

2004

OVENBIRD

2006 

AQUATIC WARBLER

AMERICAN ROBIN

2007

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK

2008

SNOWY OWL

2011

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH

2020

INDIGO BUNTING

This isn't a boast (you should know me by now) just a statement of fact. There will obviously have been other records that I didn't see. So, plenty of possibilities. Maybe something will arrive, maybe it won't BUT this Storm brings promise and I'm handily placed. Also Birds turn up even later in November like my HERMIT THRUSH 29/11/2019. There was also a CAPE MAY WARBLER on Bryher from November 10th - December 4th.

Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 50 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 6

A wild night here. Thankfully the wind is abating and only isolated showers this morning. I'm back on Porthcressa scanning...and anticipating some developments. 

I took my eye off the ball with the Flamborough "Robin". As I'm down here I set my Alerts to suit. Turns out the Robin is one I haven't seen. To compound matters one of those funny Shrikes has only gone and turned up in my Village!!!

I'm STILL glad I'm here though... keeping the faith. Relegation is looming lol! Do I protest too much?Hopefully something to celebrate soon. It's looking like the last Boat of the Week will be tomorrow at 11 as the Storm approaches. It's possible we won't see it again till Tuesday!

Today was VERY quiet. I had a nice chat with an Essex Birder called Graham in the shelter on Porthcressa mid-afternoon. Two old boys putting the Birding scene to rights! A fellow Scilly Stalwart. Really enjoyed it. I managed to inadvertently find a Sandwich Tern (47) in the rocky Island...

The camera is useful in acting as a "scope" on occasions. Saves lugging the latter around all the time! Graham picked out a Peregrine and a Merlin (48) but we couldn't re-find the late Tern despite extensive searching. 

Another Cart Day tomorrow. Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 48 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 5

Up early and onto Porthcressa on a fine clear morning. Invigorating...

I made my way towards Little Porth (previous successes include Surf Scoter, Red-throated Pipit, Rose-coloured Starling and Nightingale) and on arrival a pair of Stonechats were waiting for me...

4 Redwings over were new for the Trip as was the sinister presence of a Peregrine gliding across the Bay from the Garrison towards Peninnis. I met Louise with the Cart and after grabbing a couple of take-away Latte's we headed to Porthloo to enjoy them in the sunshine...

Taxi!

We tried Borough Farm...

...and Maypole...

...without seeing anything of note. A message then informed me that the Scilly MEGA namely Bullfinch had be seen again at Shooters Pool. I decided to give it an hour before Lunch. On arrival I nooticed Simon at the far end of the screen. I joined him for the duration of my visit but the Bird didn't show. Good company though!

After Lunch at Longstones we dropped into Carrag Dhu again to try for Firecrest. Needle and Haystack spring to mind...but you gotta try...right? Our friend appeared as soon as we sat on our bench...

A fine specimen

After some 30 minutes as I was looking into the tree above the Bird Bath...

...there it was on a bare branch briefly...a fine male!!! I deserved it lol! Definitely "Bird of the Day". The rain set in around 3.30 so we returned the Cart and headed "home".

A couple of "good blows" coming through tomorrow...

...and Friday

Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 46 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 4

10am

Settled in now and adjusted. Steady morning today as not much about except a Wryneck around the corner on Peninnis allotments ((I'll have a go this afternoon when the rain clears). 

The long-stayers are still...er staying.

MEGAS turning up throughout Britain (I don't DO Ireland) as expected at this time of year. As stated previously "yer pays yer money and makes yer choice". Unless of course you stay at home and wait for the alert...not my option.

My statements on choice of location are just that... personal opinion. Shetland has stuck again with a CHESTNUT BUNTING. Spurn has just landed a BLACK-FACED BUNTING. Here...we wait and search.

Checking the Forecast, as Birders do, the Jet Stream is dropping over Britain from midweek which does sound promising for some Nearctic activity?

7pm

I didn't make it to the allotments as there were no further reports and it's a steep climb (like most places on here). Instead, we had an extremely pleasant afternoon on Porthcressa...

I'm aware it's more views than Birds at the moment!? There's worse places to be though...

Buzza Tower - the famed site of CLIFF SWALLOW and CHIMNEY SWIFT TOGETHER in 2001

I had a bit of fun trying to see as many Species as possible form our Bench...with my Bins. Things started well when I spotted 6 Sanderling on Little Porth at the far end of the Bay...

8 Mediterranean Gulls loafed on the distant rocks and a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull was also present, both new for the Trip. Around an hour later I started seeing Hirundines over Peninnis. At first I could only see 4 Swallows but further scanning produced at least 15 plus a lone House Martin. Again both new for the Trip. For the record, my latest Swallow record for the Islands is the 27th, with HM the 24th. Really chuffed to see this event. I was hoping for a Raptor or two but they didn't materialize nor did the Great White Egret reported earlier flying across the Bay. Just before we left Simon Slade and his Wife strolled by. Yet another "Scilly Stalwart". It was great to see them both again. We shared a few opinions and stories including his attempt for the EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR which unfortunately failed. He was aware of the oncoming Storm and was leaving tomorrow. I couldn't help but sense a tinge of understandable regret in his voice.

Context excitement came in the form of a male Bullfinch at Lower Moors, a Rare Bird for Scilly. The combination of distance and venue meant I declined the opportunity.

The Storm out in the Atlantic is "brewing" nicely. Obviously expectations rise under such circumstances. Fortunately we will be here after things have calmed down and hopefully deposited a few "Goodies" on the Islands? I've never been more aware of the opportunity that is potentially forthcoming? Time will tell...

Cart 3 tomorrow for a FULL day exploring St Mary's. Stay tuned...

The scene on departure

Trip Total - 42 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 3

A cool start today with the continuing NE winds. No rain though and only gentle breezes. We started slightly later as it was Louise's Birthday. She got another Cart as it made sense to hire another on a fine day...we won't be hiring one tomorrow!

We started at Newford Duck Pond, haunt of many a Yellow-browed Warbler. My knack of not finding one continues. I did add Fieldfare with a lone Bird in an adjacent hedge briefly. Great Tit and Sparrowhawk were also added. I gave it a "good go" before we headed to Longstones again for lunch.

The afternoon was spent driving around the Island seeing very little in wonderful sunshine. I did add Meadow Pipit at the Riding Stables.

We spent the last hour at Porthloo Beach again. This time the tide was lower, which meant more Waders were present. An excellent count of Sanderling (c70) plus 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, Curlew and a few Oystercatchers. A couple of Stonechats performed well by our bench. Just as we were thinking of leaving Simon appeared, another Scilly stalwart. It was great to see him again and we had a good chat before departing to return the Cart. This is another excellent aspect of the visit, bumping into old friends and reacquainting. Hopefully I'll see him again when something "interesting" turns up?!

A brief one tonight as we're out to our favourite Pub The Atlantic for the Birthday meal. I'll add some pics tomorrow. Rain in the morning so hopefully something will be brought down for a rest?

Stay tuned...

Trip Total -  38 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 2

The "great weather" continued today as we set off in our first Cart and headed for Porthloo (one of my favourite Beaches (along with Porthcressa)...

It's easy to see why! Usually good for Waders here, although the Tide was in this morning. Highlights included Grey Wagtail (scarce here)...

...Black Redstart, a fine male Stonechat briefly (my first), Rock Pipit and at least 12 Little Egrets.

We then had a drive up to Telegraph. It was worth the Hire charge for this alone! It's a killer hill that I've walked many times, including a yomp with Louise for a SNOWY OWL 29/10/2008. An amazing event!!! I had a walk along the footpath to the Golf Course, a Site where I've seen some great Birds in the past. Alas, nothing today BUT the view was breathtaking...

This view also brought back some memories...

There was evidence of the destruction last Winter's storm had caused with several Trees now "missing" or badly damaged. Next it was Carrag Dhu Garden the Firecrest hotspot. As usual I dipped but we enjoyed a very pleasant hour, as did this VERY confiding Blackbird...

Time for lunch at Longstones which is thankfully still open.

We finished off in Old Town trying for the recently reported Rose-coloured Starling (one always turns up on the Island). No joy but I added a few more Trip Ticks. Unfortunately Kingfisher wasn't one of them either. Time to return the "Birdmobile" for today but it WILL be back...at least this week.

The forecast offers more encouragement from Midweek?

Trip Total - 32 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 1

A loooong drive down yesterday which thankfully didn't include many hold-ups, although the Launceston by-pass was closed on the A30 which meant we had to go through the Town Centre! We left home at 8.30am and arrived at Helston at 6pm. It doesn't get any easier with age. A freshen up and straight into the adjacent May Tree pub...

Cheers!

A VERY early start this morning at 6.30 as we're on the first plane over at 8.15. 45 minutes from the the Premier Inn and we were checking in. Planes were already on the runway and the sky was thankfully clear...

All smooth on landing and a short taxi drive to our flat. We left our gear while the cleaners did their stuff and headed for the Town Cafe. Plenty of people coming and going including a few familiar faces including Al Orton, who gave me a wave. It was great to see him again.

We then made our way up to Porthcressa and found a spot. The Weather was incredible, like the Med'...

I picked up my first Trip Ticks which included Little Egret, Turnstone, Shag and Black Redstart. A message on the WhatsApp relayed belated news of a Jay (Rare on Scilly) seen at Lower Broome Platform. I scanned the Garrison for a good while but didn't get lucky.

We had lunch in the sun at Dibble and Grub and then returned to the flat to unpack. I'm writing this at 3.30 and time for a chill now. I'm knackered after 2 days travel but VERY happy to be here once more. No rush. The Isabelline/Daurian Shrike has gone AWOL over at Porth Hellick and I certainly wasn't trying for it today. Young birds are not identifiable anyway. Personally, I feel they need lumping, like a few others I could mention...but won't! I have seen a similar Bird here many moons ago. Nice Bird though.

There's also a SORA and 1/2 WILSON'S SNIPES present. Fortunately, I've seen both on here previously.

So, a quiet night in tonight before we pick our first Cart up...

My Chauffeur 

...in the morning for a good Tour around St Mary's...unless of course?

Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 20 species