Scilly 22 - Reflections

So, another Scilly season comes to a close...for me! A full on fortnight of Birding, exercise, scenery and memories. The highlight was obviously the BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. The PALLID SWIFT day was also memorable. Seeing the WILSON'S SNIPE...less so.

Hits...

WILSON'S SNIPE 

PALLID SWIFT 

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER 
Great Shearwater - an unprecedented arrival?

Sooty Shearwater - Scilly tick.

Jack Snipe

Golden Plover - scarce here

Lapwing - scarce here

Great Skua

Arctic Skua - Scilly tick

Sandwich Tern - 2 late birds

Wryneck

Woodlark

Red-rumped Swallow

Tree Pipit

Ring Ouzel - two top encounters

Firecrest - great views and always special

Red-breasted Flycatcher

Common Rosefinch

and Misses...
Spoonbill

Osprey

Marsh Harrier

Kingfisher

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Booted Warbler
No Tresco visit...Wildfowl
BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT

Richard's Pipit

Yellow-browed Warbler

Raven

Brambling

Snow Bunting

Present but not tried for

Pink-footed Goose

Long-tailed Duck

Cattle Egret

Turtle Dove

Short-toed Lark

Olive-backed Pipit

Barred Warbler

Little Bunting

Trip List 84

Scilly List 238

Not a bad selection on a small group of closely linked Islands, 22 miles SW of Lands End...and no car required! Where else in Britain could you see a selection like that within such a short distance?

Great weather also. We had one dodgy afternoon! Maximizing a Trip List wasn't the target this Year, for example we didn't visit Tresco where some "easy" Wildfowl additions could be added. I did spend quite a bit of time on Bryher!

Here's a hopefully brief summary of the Trip, the details are in the daily posts...

I like to think I appreciate the Islands more with every visit. It's a magical place for us. The endless changing views as you walk or sail the Islands is incredible. We clocked up 100 plus miles during the fortnight...and it's not flat! Our memories build with each visit, personally supplemented by the great birds I see there. This year my luck was in, as the BW was found as we travelled down, a timely stop at a lay-by near Exeter informed me of the monumental news! I just had a one night sweat. Other highlights being the appearance of hundreds of Fieldfares at dawn on the 20th was a spectacular sight. A lingering Red-rumped Swallow which toured St Mary's for several days. The Great Shearwater movement was amazing!

Missing the Osprey and Richard's Pipit was disappointing and of course...the ABBP. That's the way it goes. So that'sit for another Year, I've still got to sort my Stats out but that can wait for the long Winter nights...Oh, they're here!

Scilly 22 - Day 15

Brief one tonight as it was leaving day. After packing it was time for a Sausage sarny at Kavorna. Highly recommended!

We then made our way up to Carreg Dhu Gardens where Louise read...

...and I successfully looked for and found a Firecrest. I had one right above my head but it was too quick for a pic.

We passed Longstones (which wasn't easy) and made our way up to the Carn Vean area. Yep, a final attempt for the ABBP. Half-a-dozen Birders were present including John Hewitt. After a chat I continued to Normandy corner. As I scanned the birds present a Sparrowhawk flushed everything... again! 

On return John was the only one left scanning the said field. Still no sign of the "Pipit". After wishing him a safe journey (he was leaving on the Scillonian later) I dropped back into Holy Vale to meet Louise at Longstones for lunch. Of course...a message... ABBP in field opposite Newford Duck Pond!!!

I HAD to try. I got there in 10 minutes but it had gone, yet again. It was see again briefly in flight at Helvier by John but I'd frankly had enough by then. I went for my traditional Cream Tea finish to the holiday...

Cheers!

Another great trip. Full summary on return home.

Scilly 22 - Day 14

I HAD to go back, Call it obsession, call it homage, call it what you like...this is one of THE Iconic records in British Birding...period!!!

Having been found (not necessarily arrived) 2 weeks ago, everyone who wished to see this Bird has had ample time to connect. This should in no way diminish the Status of this record; definitely one to be savoured...and some.

Initially I was undecided on today's plan, hoping to maybe do a Bryher/Tresco double but the low afternoon tide put paid to that. I'd even considered a return to St Agnes, so Louise could have her Turks Head visit. Anyway, all things considered we boarded the Guiding Star at 10 for Bryher...

It was to return at 3 so we had a decent time window. It was good to see Andy Holden, his wife Vicky and their young girl on the boat. They obviously had the same plan! On arrival we made the climb, then the descent to the now familiar Popplestone Fields. We helped guide a small group of Birders in the right direction. On arrival Louise made the traditional reading stake out...

...and I went to search for the Jewel with around a dozen others...yes a dozen!!!

Between 10.45 and Noon all rides were thoroughly searched but there was no sign of the BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. We made our way back up the hill to the Post Office for a bite to eat...

Louise then headed for sheltered side of the Island and I returned to "the fields". On my way down I passed a couple who were interested in the Bird. They'd seen the news but wanted to know more about it. I hope I helped? Andy and family had also returned but there was no-one else? It was almost surreal. It was now gone 1, so we still had a "good hour". Then Andy appeared and told me "it's showing"! I was surprised and elated in equal measure. I could see Vicky pointing in the next field. I joined her...and there it was! 

The favoured area...

The next half an hour or so was truly sublime as THREE Birders enjoyed "crippling views of arguably the "most wanted" of ALL American Warblers. A few others later returned and also thankfully connected. This BIRD was far more then just a Tick, it was an occasion to be savoured in exceptionally relaxed conditions. My ideal scenario, just like the VARIED THRUSH last Year but even more so, as I'd travelled slightly less distance!

The bird exhibited its usual slow but steady feeding routine through the vegetation. Teasing my attempts to obtain a photo. Eventually with Andy and Vicky's help I managed to rattle a few off...

An early peep...

Birds do have expressions...

He's fed well. Safe travels little Jewel...

Trip List...Who cares!

Scilly 22 - Day 13

We decided to visit the North of St Mary's today as Louise hadn't been "up here" yet. An early "ordinary" Swallow was a nice start over Porthmellon beach but I couldn't find a Black Redstart on Porthloo...

...However, I did see a Mediterranean Gull. 

We were passing Juliet's Garden so I'm afraid a coffee was in order...

It was a tad breezy but we found a sheltered spot and enjoyed the spectacular view once again. We had the place to ourselves. The inter-island boats were leaving in the distance.

We continued up to Telegraph were Louise found a spot to read and I birded the area for an hour or so. She had company...

I soon located a flock of Fieldfares feeding in the bulb fields. I thought there might be something else with them? A thorough check revealed a single Redwing...

...but not the hoped for Ring Ouzel or maybe Mistle Thrush. I did manage some decent shots of the Fieldfares though despite the almost constant presence of a Sparrowhawk and a brief pass by a Merlin. Initially I was "against" the light...

Fortunately there was another road at right angles which allowed me to stand with the sun at my back. I just needed the birds to co-operate. They're an extremely alert species so I positioned myself at the field edge behind Pittosporum saplings...

Another pass by the Sparrowhawk flushed the flock but this time they landed right in front of me. My tribute to this fabulous "Winter Thrush"...

After picking the boss up I checked out the Golf Course but there wasn't a bird to be seen. Nice views again though...

We continued East down Pungies Lane to Trenoweth but the area I wanted to check out was closed? Then a message, yep, Buff-bellied Pipit found by Viv Stratton near Carn Vean cafe. The very area I had searched intensively yesterday. We marched on...well I did, Louise sensibly headed for Longstones for Lunch! On arrival...as per usual, there was no sign of the Bird. My 4th dip. I covered the fields again to Normandy corner and back but no joy. I did have distant but far from satisfactory views of the/a Woodlark.  I also found another cracking Ring Ouzel...

I eventually decided to drop down on an unfamiliar and overgrown trial to Porth Hellick....

I know this field? It was the location of my HERMIT THRUSH sighting in 2019. Happy days!

As I entered the Stephen Sussex Hide, John Hewitt from Spurn was sat there along with Viv Stratton. He'd travelled down for the WILSON'S SNIPE. I squeezed in between them and enjoyed some quality conversation before leaving as others arrived. It was good to see them both. I did add Jack Snipe, Moorhen and Coot!

As I was walking back to Town I bumped into the good lady and we completed the walk together. She went on the front to read and I finished off back on the Garrison hoping for better views of the Red-rumped Swallow which was once again lingering around the Harbour area. On the way I bumped into Tim Jones! Yet another Yorkshire Birder on Scilly. Again, it was great to see him, we had a decent chat and went our seperate ways. Maybe another Scilly regular in the making?

It was reported as feeding below the Tregarthan Hotel. I could immediately see the bird with c10 Barn Swallows but the speed of the bird made it impossible for me to obtain a pic. I decided to make the climb to Newman House on the Garrison as it had been seen on wires there earlier in the afternoon. I could see the birds below me but they didn't come near the wires. then a message...the RRS had perched briefly on a window ledge at the Hotel before flying off!!! That's the way it goes.

I finished my day walking back along Porthcressa "prom" taking in the last of the light and enjoying the high tide waves and fresh air. The 1w Common Gull was still patrolling the beach for its 3rd day. I've yet to see it land!

Trip Total 83

Scilly 22 - Day 12

The pm forecast looked grim, so we set out early for a walk around our favourite part of the Island...the Garrison. On the way up I stopped to check out the Sycamores...

As we reached the Star Castle Hotel, I had a scan, while Louise took in the spectacular view...yet another...

St Mary's harbour and beyond

Samson, Bryher and Tresco

I picked up half-a-dozen Swallows below us. I wonder? I couldn't see a Red-rumped. A couple approached us, it was Simon Slade and his wife. Another old acquaintance renewed! He'd also been scanning the Swallows with no luck. Mind you Barn Swallows on October 25th is notable in itself! We continued our walk around the magnificent headland...

St Agnes in the distance

As we passed Lower Broome Platform a message over the radio informed us the Red-rumped Swallow was indeed below Star Castle!! On arrival the bird was showing brilliantly around the base of the headland. Very difficult to "catch", at least for me! I did grab one distant image that I BOC'd and cropped...

Just a bit of fun!

After a coffee I made the short walk to the Dump Clump to try for a Red-breasted Flycatcher. Things were a bit cosey with limited viewing. I eventually managed a typically brief snatch in thick cover before returning "home" to beat the rain. Still 2 decent birds within half-a-mile of the flat isn't to be sniffed at.

The rain closed in at Noon. I'm sure Birders are out there still...but I'm not one of them. Always honesty here! A restful afternoon in store before our last visit to the Atlantic tonight. Hopefully something "good" tomorrow? Cheers!

Trip List 79

Scilly 22 - Day 11

Belated report due to a rather long walk back at dusk...

Started off at Porthcressa which is 2 minutes from our flat. A few early light showers meant a brief spell under the information centre veranda. I picked out the lingering 1w Common Gull and a rather smart Mediterranean despite the temporary gloom...

The sky cleared to give another amazingly sunny and warm day (17C). I decided to try and get a decent pic of a Rock Pipit...

Whilst on the beach a Black Redstart appeared...

A fly-over Grey Wagtail as I was leaving was a nice bonus Trip tick. After the mandatory 11am coffee and cake at Kavorna, we started our walk around the Island. I decided to head for the Riding Stables to try once again for the American Buff-bellied Pipit. It wasn't reported yesterday but I felt it was still on the Island. It took us around 30 minutes to get there and it was yet another stiff walk up and down dale. My fitness must be improving? I got my Thrush "fix"when a lovely flock of Fieldfares suddenly dropped down, some landing in a nearby pine...

We sat on a bench and I scanned the fields. No sign of the bird but I did bump into another teacher from Cornwall who's another long term (or is it half-term,,,sorry!) annual visitor. 

We walked along to Normandy corner where the bird was first sighted last week. Ashley Fisher, a local was pointing his camera into the field!? Alas it wasn't the ABBP but Woodlark is still a good sighting and Trip tick. A cruising Sparrowhawk prevented a photo, although I did wait another 30 minutes as birds returned. Yet another regular on this week, Glynn Taylor from Yorkshire appeared, it was good to see him. 

News then came through that the ABBP had been seen...at the NE corner of the Island! We set off back along the road, retracing our steps. As we were around halfway there, another message; a Red-rumped Swallow had been seen at Porth Hellick! What to do? I checked my Bubo and found I had seen both previously on Scilly. I chose to continue for the Pipit. Of course, as we approached we met some more Birders who told us the Bird had flown off...AND of course, the RRS was showing!!

Louise headed back to Hugh Town and I cut through Holy Vale to Porth Hellick, once again getting excellent updates on the radio from Dick Filby.

The bird was being seen on the beach, which of course is at the far Southern edge of the pool. A decent group were already there (c40) and the bird was showing distantly. After around 10 minutes it came much closer and passed over our heads on more than one occasion. It was far to fast for me to get a photo. It was associating with around 10 Barn Swallows and was extremely active, as Swallows tend to be!

The flock then drifted to the SW corner of the bay, some alighting on the gorse present there. Someone with a scope told me it was the Bird on the rock...

Birders started to make the walk to the site. I joined them...at my own pace! I joined the line and scanned, the birds were still feeding over the bay but some would land on occasion just in view...

Everyone was hoping the RRS would try to land here. Eventually it did. I pointed my camera and hoped. It tried to land on just one occasion and I managed to connect. Really pleased to have got...something...

The birds remained faithful to the Bay, before I left as the sun lowered. A few steps must have been completed today.

Trip total 78

Scilly 22 - Day 10

Kept my promise to myself and made it down to Peninnis for 8...

Not a bad place to be... regardless!

Birders tend to go further down the slope but I wanted to remain "with signal" so I set up higher. The light wasn't great as the headland faces South but using a large rock I was able to remain in the shadows, at least for a while.

I managed (at last) to view 3 distant Great Shearwaters! This Year has been exceptional for them around Scilly...hence another Tick. I also had a close on Arctic Skua which was again a long overdue Scilly tick. Around 8.30 Dick Filby appeared and came over for a word. "Seen much"? he inquired, I told him my modest haul and he replied by saying he'd seen a few dolphins. I thanked him for his help yesterday afternoon and stated what a great experience it was, that having watched the PALLID SWIFT at such great distances, for it to end up flying around our heads was amazing! He agreed. I've always liked Dick, straightforward, helpful and no nonsense. My type of guy.

I then got a message off Louise asking where I was. I told her and she said she'd come down. I retreated to a nearby bench and waited. I decided to set my 'scope up and to my surprise I found it easier viewing, even though I was further away! I immediately started seeing more GS. Over the next hour or so I "had" around 50!! I was chuffed things had finally worked out after my early marching. I DO like Peninnis though. Whilst on the bench I added Merlin and Peregrine! Louise then left for the Flat but I remained  hoping to make the most of the morning before the forecasted rain.I walked back slowly down King Edwards Road hoping that some migrants might come my way. I soon picked up a flock of Fieldfares (c30) in the shadows...

I've looked for Skylarks down here on many occasions over the Years and never found any, so I was pleased to find a flock of 6 in a ploughed field just before a Sparrowhawk flushed them. Next a large flock of Chaffinches numbering at least 150. I checked them thoroughly but no Brambling, unfortunately. An excellent morning.

After the predicted rain shower I made my way around 2 towards the Airport. This would be my first visit to the area; a planned visit due too their being no flights on Sunday. A Richard's Pipit had been reported. It's yet another stiff climb but I made it OK only to find out the bird wasn't present on arrival..

It didn't show in the following couple of hours but there were some other birds present, including the odd sight of 15 Ringed Plover on the tarmac...

There was also a Turnstone with them! Three Snipe flew over, a sighting I definitely wasn't expecting. My first of the Trip. A few Dog walkers came and went, which moved the birds around but the target bird didn't show. A lone Golden Plover was a bonus...

As I was leaving a familiar face from the past was walking towards me. It was David from the Wirral, another Scilly stalwart, as I am, I guess! In the early "noughties" I used to bird Scilly with David and his pals Ian and Richard. They helped me familiarise myself with the Islands and I gained some valuable logistical knowledge tagging along with them. It was great to see him again. I gave it another half an hour with him at the Windsock before we returned to Hugh Town reminiscing. It was also pleasing that the BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER waited for him. As a previous fellow "Teacher's week" regular, I know only to well the "will it stick till I get there" feeling!!!

The PS disappeared soon after leaving its roost on the Garrison. I know we can all get overly excited about weather patterns BUT the system for mid-week does look promising...

Trip Total 76