Scilly 2020 - Day 13

So to the last day. The wind was still strong but the sky was blue. Late start, as we were in the B&B and had to pack.

We started in Old Town and I gave it a good go in the Churchyard in very dull light, nothing new but a Grey Wagtail without a tail was a surprise! There must be a joke there somewhere?   

There was a Little Egret and Greenshank in the bay. A slow walk through Lower Moors produced another fleeting glimpse of a YBW and my first Chiffchaff! Then it was Rocky Hills and up to Longstones for lunch, glimpsing the VERY elusive Red-backed Shrike that was still present in the area...

After yesterday's dash to Tresco...it had to happen. News came through that 8 Cattle Egrets were now on Green Lane...St Mary's! We weren't too far away. True to form, we found them...in a field of...Cattle! 

21 on the Islands apparently. On the return I found the 2 Yellow Wagtails at the Riding School for a trip tick...

Species 84...I think!

Scilly 2020 - Day 12

Brief one tonight on the phone as we're out of the flat and back on the B&B for our last night...

Poor weather today which made Birding difficult. I said goodbye to a few pals who were leaving at 1.30 on the Scillonian...

Looks good...from a distance!

Thankfully the wind had dropped so hopefully a decent crossing for all. Another session at Lower Broome came to nothing and was aborted due to heavy rain.

News of the Iceland Gull late morning in Old Town bay, heading towards Peninnis pricked the ears up but despite scanning from the shelter at Porthcressa, it came to nothing. Maybe tomorrow?

After watching the Scillonian depart, I persuaded Louise to take her first boat trip as most people had left on the 1.30! There were only SIX people on the boat to Tresco. I did have an alterior motive (as usual), as 8 Cattle Egrets had been seen there. They were first spotted on St Agnes.

I had some directions from the WhatsApp group so we headed for the fields North West of the Great Pool. As we started walking down Pool Road I glanced to my left and there in the distance were 2 Cattle Egrets (Scilly 223). The gamble in the rain had paid off! Despite searching we couldn't re-locate them or any others for that matter. I ddi pause for a minute at the site of my AMERICAN ROBIN Scilly tick in 2006...

Lucky. I had a go for the Lesser Yellowlegs on Abbey Pool but the visibility was poor in the mist and heavy drizzle. However, I had seen this species on this Island previously.

On the way back to the boat I added a few trip ticks on the Great Pool. We'd made the most of a rainy day...it's still a day on Scilly though!

Species 82

Scilly 2020 - Day 11

Hammered the Garrison again this morning, concentrating on Lower Broome Platform and Morning Point, as they were sheltered from the relentless wind! I only saw a reasonable stream of Kittiwakes (c80) but not the hoped for Shearwater...

The sea had calmed down but only slightly, as the boat to St Agnes could testify...

Rather them than me, I thought at the time! News came through that Saturday's Scillonian had been brought forward to tomorrow lunchtime due to the weather conditions. Apparently it's full! Hope it's not too rough for the unfortunates that suffer from seasickness...like me! Never again.

Late morning we had a stroll to Porth Mellon beach as there had been reports of Portuguese Man 'o war jellyfish being washed up on the beach. We couldn't find any? After a visit for supplies and lunch, I was just planning the afternoon jaunt when news came through of TWO White-winged Gulls on St Agnes! It was now 1.35 and the boat left at 2. What to do? Get on it! After watching the earlier boat with trepidation, I was now to sample the waves myself. Shows what the lure of two possible Scilly ticks can do.

There were only 5 Birders on the boat but one of them was Dick Filby. As we disembarked I decided to follow Dick. As we reached the first bay we scored straight away with Glaucous Gull...

Scilly 222

Despite splitting up and searching the Island for the bird, the Iceland Gull couldn't be located. Amazing Scilly again, with 2 White-wingers on the same Island, on the same day. Maybe tomorrow...although the forecast doesn't look to clever.

Species 77

Scilly 2020 - Day 10

Morning constitutional at Little Porth again. No sign of the Nightingale (it is still here apparently)...again! The smart Stonechat was just waking up and having a stretch...

After breakfast we headed down the Garrison towards Morning Point via Lower Broome (check and re-check and all that). On the way down a Birder informed us he'd seen a Great Northern Diver in Porthcressa Bay. After around 10 minutes I located it. It was tricky with the large swell and the bird was constantly diving...as they do! I decided to continue to MP to hopefully get a closer view. On arrival we got our first taste of the strong Westerly winds that were to persist for the whole day...and hopefully bring us all a nice present...shortly?

The Diver was on the far side of the bay near these rocks, being pushed there by the wind...

Anyway I managed a few pics. It had retained its fine summer plumage...

GND (75)

The camera did well considering the distance and conditions. I also managed to locate the lingering Yellow-legged Gull (76) off the point...a Scilly tick to boot (221). News came through that a juvenile Glaucous Gull had been seen in "the Roads". Shortly afterwards Paul Freestone (the finder) appeared over the hill with a pal. We all searched for the bird but it transpired it had flown over to St Agnes!

A couple of pics of the swell...

The horizon

After lunch we decided to have a peep at the sea swell from Town Bay which gives a great view of the quay. High tide was 3pm so we waited in the shelter as it was raining hard and I could watch "the roads" with my 'scope. The waves were already coming over the harbour wall. The sea off Bryher and Samson looked spectacular...

No birds of note were seen. Around 4 we headed for Old Town to have a break from the wind! I stopped off at the Dump Clump. Mick Turton was there and he'd located a YBW which he kindly put me on. I then joined Louise in Old Town. A Greenshank swimming in the bay was unusual...

I birded the Churchyard until dusk but didn't have any luck. A Short-toed Lark and an Iceland Gull were also reported but I didn't try for either due to time and distance.

3 days left in favourable conditions. I intend to make the most of it...

Species 76

Scilly 2020 - Day 9

I returned to Little Porth first thing to check out the bay and gardens (I once had a sp Red-throated Pipit here) and maybe get another view of the atypical Nightingale. There was a heavy drizzle which was actually quite refreshing...it woke me up!

A couple of late Swallows were feeding low over the seaweed that had been thrown onto the beach by the rough seas of late. 3 Whimbrel were also present. There were also a couple of Stonechats present, one a smart male...

No sign of the Nightingale though. I returned home for breakfast and of course news came through that it had been seen. There you go! We then had a stroll to Porthloo beach. Louise sat and read while I searched the beach and surrounding bushes. A Dusky Warbler had been present here for quite some time but I hadn't seen it and today was no different. Not a big surprise. However, I did add Turnstone (73) and Lesser Black-backed Gull (74) to the trip list. I birded my way to the Longstones Cafe in the centre of the Island with 3 Fieldfares and a Redwing the only birds of note. The Cafe area never produced the hoped for Crossbill fly-over. We then trickled our way back towards Hugh Town via Rocky Hills and Lower Moors...but nothing of note was seen.

After a brew at the flat we found a bench on Porthcressa Beach for the last hour and I searched for the Nightingale again (to no avail), also checking the beach. There were at least 20 Rock Pipits present...

plus 3 more Turnstones. Then...late news! A Grey Phalarope had been seen in "the Roads"...a stretch of water between St Mary's and Tresco) I spent till dusk grilling the rough sea but unsurprisingly I couldn't locate it.

Species 74

......................................................................................

Twitchers were in evidence today, for obvious reasons. The WhatsApp group was hot early doors but there was no sign of the IB. Coming back from the Co-op with supplies I saw a familiar face having a cig' outside his digs. It was Al Orton. I'd seen him at various twitches over the years but never had chance for a chat. He was just about ready to go over to St Agnes. After sharing a few thoughts I wished him all the very best of luck...

Troops leaving for St Agnes at 10.15

Alas, the bird wasn't seen all day, a huge disappointment for all who'd travelled...again, obviously!

As always with twitches, rumours abound and I don't like 'em. There seems to be a case that "some" got too close and maybe the bird was flushed. As I was leaving on Sunday for the boat a small remaining group seemed uncomfortably close...yet it was there Monday morning. It always concerns me when you see the message "showing to a few feet". Should you be a few feet away? Nope. I know we've been here before...but if I was travelling down at much expense and effort to hear this...I wouldn't be happy...to put it mildly!!! Who would? Another cracker is..."It wasn't bothered!" Thing is...how do you know that until you encroach?...in which time, it could fly off!

There you go...it's a game!

 

Scilly 2020 - Day 8

7am: Down at Peninnis Lighthouse for dawn...

Lovely morning, if a little breezy! As always, hoping for something "good" but could only see Kittiwakes (68)...some close in...

and Guillemots. (69)

The Day: After a freshen up at the flat we made our way down to the dump clump...again. Louise carried on to read at Old Town Bay and I searched for a YBW. As I waited a birder emerged from the bushes, it was a face I recognised from previous trips. A teacher from Cornwall who's name escapes me. I asked if he'd had any luck but he hadn't. We shared a few teaching anecdotes then he picked up a call. We both saw the bird briefly (70) before it disappeared back into the undergrowth. Very unsatisfactory.

I gave it another 30 minutes before heading for Old Town. Ten Redwings feeding on the football pitch was a fine sight...

Lunch followed in the Old Town Inn. Time for a walk now, so we made our way to Porth Hellick via Salikee Farm. I could hear Greenshanks as we approached and sure enough 5 were present and just viewable from the path as the hides were closed...

No sign of the obligatory Jack Snipe. I did pick up my first Moorhen (71). News of "an interesting Acro" filtered through via WhattsApp. We hadn't visited Holy Vale yet so we decided to pass through on the way to Newford Duck Pond. Half way along the trail a Water Rail (72) squelled. I then heard someone approaching behind us. It was Simon Slade a Birder I've known for a few years through twitching. It was good to see him again. He had the same idea, so we continued towards the Duck Pond sharing few stories. No sign of anything when we arrived, including Birders! Simon eventually left and we departed shortly after.

I spent the last hour trying to add Mistle Thrush to the trip list and find a First for Britain of course! I passed a barn...

...which brought back great memories. I once saw a Snowy Owl (29/10/08) perched on it ! The bird had flown across from St Agnes and around Peninnis...whilst we were on it. Now that WOULD have been a sight to see!!! 

*Unusually the INDIGO BUNTING disappeared mid-afternoon, disappointing twitchers who arrived on afternoon transport. Hopefully, it will re-appear in the morning? Talking to Birders on the Island, I was surprised how many seasoned individuals didn't see the Ramsey Island bird. I must be older then I thought! Strange feeling seeing my second of three records. Helluva Scilly tick though!!

Scilly 2020 - Day 7

10am: Decided not to go to Aggy. We've got kitted up and made our way down to Lower Broome Platform...the site of many a Rare. Fingers crossed...

Never have any luck there. I tried though. Lovely walk...

Typical habitat...

Gave it a couple of hours, then after a stroll down to Morning Point...

...a heavy shower forced us back to the flat for lunch.

1pm: The forecast was for a bright afternoon, the rain beating down on the skylight told us different. Still, got to get on with it...and all that. Once again we kitted up and went for a walk to the Dump Clump (I'm just an old romantic). Things had quietened down but the Westerlies had naturally heightened expectations. I know, I know.

There was no sign of the RBG and a new REV had also disappeared on St Agnes. I was just thinking to myself I was glad I didn't go on the early boat when...

2.01pm MEGA Scilly INDIGO BUNTING St Agnes

My word, I thought!!! Thoughts cast back to Ramsey Island, Wales, October 1996. So, not a British Tick but a quality bird that HAD to be tried for. The excellent WhatsApp group informed me that a boat would be leaving at 2.45. The rain had abated so Louise was happy to continue to Old Town for a walk and I headed for the Quay. When I arrived the expectant Birders were already forming...

Many of the locals were there as obviously this was a first for Scilly and only the third for Britain! Adam Hutt and Mick Turton were also on board from my neck of the woods. It was good to see them both. Dick Filby was also on board.

When we landed on St Agnes the group disembarked in an orderly manner and we made our way down the path towards the Big Pool. The Birders weren't hard to find and neither was the bird, as it was happily feeding on the path...

INDIGO BUNTING (Scilly 220)

After having my fill, I popped round the corner to look for the RED-EYED VIREO. You've GOT to love Scilly. After a couple of "misses" I was pleased to re-locate it in the pittosporum. Too quick for a pic'...unfortunately.

Two rather good additions to the trip list!! It was time to head for the quay for the 5.15 boat back. We didn't make the Turks Head this year as it closed early but here's a pic for the record...

Looking East towards St Mary's...

Panorama East from St Agnes...

A shaky pic' of the troops on the return...

Scilly ain't what it used to be?!!!

Species 68

Scilly 2020 - Day 6

10am: Grim morning weather-wise but every day is precious here..so out I go. Spent 90 minutes around the "Dump-clump"...

My first visit but no luck in heavy rain. Droplets on leaves didn't help. Yellow-browed Warblers have been reported daily here....and were reported after I left lol! I also found out my second " waterproof" jacket... isn't. So, both Country Innovations and Timberland have disappointed? Fortunately, I got them off eBay for a bargain (maybe that's why they were). It doesn't solve my problem though.

A time of contemplation while I have a bite to eat...

British tick or Birding holiday? Both please!!! My best possible combination... is right here. The BIG one might turn up elsewhere but that's far outweighed for me by the Scilly experience. So many great memories on these Islands and there's a good chance it will turn up here. If not, there's always birds to build a day around here...in beautiful scenery.

Time to get back out there...

2pm: ...I got back out there and spent the afternoon on Peninnis...

View over Old Town

The weather thankfully improved but only slightly! An Olive-backed Pipit had been reported but unsurprisingly I couldn't re-locate it...nor could anyone else. I spent some time "down the end"...

...with the Snow Bunting...

Nothing new was seen today. Thought I might sneak a Ring Ouzel...or a Skylark! Late afternoon though...

MEGA Scilly ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK Gugh at 4.30pm

I've been fortunate enough to see two here previously in 2008 (St Agnes) and 2019 (St Martin's). There's a boat going over early tomorrow. Not sure what to do. I'll sleep on it. Some serious westerlies coming this week. Looks VERY promising...in theory. 

Don't expect................

Scilly 2020 - Day 5

We started today with a walk up Peninnis. However, we didn't get far as news broke that the Mandarin had been seen from the blind at Lower Moors. A reasonably short yomp had me "in situ" in around 20 minutes. I was alone as I scanned the Mallards and Teal (61). The view was obviously limited...

...as the hides are closed, but my luck was in, as after around 10 minutes this stunning bird appeared, albeit briefly, from the reeds...

Scilly 219

I gave it another 30 minutes but the bird failed to re-immerge from the reeds. After re-joining Louise, who was enjoying her novel, we headed back to Hugh Town for a coffee and snack, enjoying great views over the bay..

The Garrison on the hill

After our break we headed down Peninnis, as I wanted to try again for the Snow Bunting...in better conditions!

As we started to leave Porthcressa Bay I spotted a small bird darting across the bay...Kingfisher (63). I also picked out a Mediterranean Gull (64) loafing on the rocks...

The day was turning out well weather wise...

The panorama looking west from Peninnis with St Agnes in the distance

I left "the boss" to read again on one of her many preferred benches and headed for the Lighthouse. The bird had been reported in the area below, so I walked down, sat on a rock and waited in the sunshine. I was the only Birder there...

No sign, so after around 30 minutes I had a walk round. It was becoming a challenge, which makes a nice change from previous years when the annual SB has been walking around on the paths at this location. Too easy! Eventually I found it (65)...

Always a pleasure to see...

So, I finally got my fix, in superb weather...

I could have stayed longer but more Birders were arriving and it was our "change over" day so we had to head back to our digs to collect our stuff. As we were walking down King Edward's Road a Little Egret (66) flew over towards Old Town. A nice bonus.

Harping on about the great weather is intentional as things are about to change. I'm hoping the old adage of  "Bad weather, good birds" will ring true in the coming 8 days. I've positioned myself exactly were I want to be. If things work out, fine. If not, never mind, it's great just to BE here. 

I'd be a liar if I said my hopes weren't slightly elevated!!