Scilly review (5)

24/10/2013

The morning Porthcressa walk produced a few Shags close in...

Things were still quiet so when news broke of a Red-backed Shrike on Bryher we decided to pay a visit.

A nice rainbow appeared as we left the quay...

Despite extensive searching by a decent number of birders the Shrike couldn't be re-located. It WAS seen the next day however!

The weather was kind to us and we had a nice relaxing day...

While having our lunch we noticed this...

As we were waiting for the boat a Little Egret flew in and started feeding in the bay...

Time to leave...

Stunning scenery...

Back on St Mary's we decided to try for the juv Rose-coloured Starling that had been seen around the allotments on Peninnis. We found ourselves up on Buzza Hill were we bumped into Pete Greaves. Within 5 minutes we were looking at the bird perched on a wire over the allotments...

While chatting to Pete he reminisced back to 2001 when he watched a CLIFF SWALLOW and a CHIMNEY SWIFT...TOGETHER at this very spot!!! I kept checking the House Martins (noteworthy in themselves at this late date) but no luck!

Locally - had great views of a Tawny Owl in the car headlights along Snakey lane last night, on the way to the Indian.