Scilly 22 - Day 4

A combination of a superb day weather-wise, an off-Island trip for Louise and early news of the BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER'S presence, could only mean one thing. A third and definitely final trip to the picturesque Island of Bryher.

While Louise was getting ready I popped round to Porthcressa Beach...

There are worse places to start the day

...for a quick Seawatch on the strength of early morning reports of Shearwaters off Peninnis Head...

In 45 minutes I was able to be happy with 4 Sooty's. A couple of larger birds remained unidentified. Sooty Shearwater was my 235th species for Scilly. I'll be down the Headland at first light tomorrow for a "proper go".

The boat to Bryher was understandably busy but we found space and settled in...

After disembarking we made our way slowly to the now familiar site. As the already assembled crowd looked "interested" I decided to join them in the sunshine. The mood was euphoric once again with several Birders hugging each other with joy or was it relief...or both!!! I know of a few who had (understandably) finally cracked and made the pilgrimage after initially "turning it down" due to circumstances. The pressure for a Twitcher/Big Lister can be immense, especially for a Bird of this quality. It could be your only shot? I know someone who left Scilly last Year (at the end of the visit I add) and travelled to Papa Westray for a certain AMERICAN THRUSH. Who could that be? I'm not here to judge.

Anyway, everyone present was obviously having a GREAT time and that's what it's all about. The Bird performed brilliantly for a good 30 minutes, feeding low in the vegetation in the sun. Bliss...again. He was still VERY active and it was still difficult to get a good view but with patience great views and hopefully pictures were obtained by all.

A final image that I personally feel sums up the character of the Bird...

The general consensus down here is that this record is "right up there". In fact many Scilly Stalwarts are putting it at the very top!!!

Late afternoon we had a walk up to Porthloo Beach (which looks like a bomb has hit it due to the sea defence improvements) where I added Black Redstart...

...and a surprise pair of VERY late Sandwich Terns...

A good walk around St Mary's tomorrow to boost the Trip List. An AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT was seen today and then there's "The Snipe". There's also a Bluethroat, Short-toed Lark and Little Bunting present and a good sprinkling of Yellow-browed Warblers. Not too shabby.

Trip Total 40