Thursday 17 October 2024

Scilly 24 - Day 7

I walked down to Porthcressa this morning while Louise got ready for our visit to Tresco. FOUR Black Redstarts had been reported, I managed 3. It was cloudy initially but the sun soon broke through...



As we reached the Quay it became apparent that many people had decided to take a boat trip due to the superb weather. No matter, we had to queue a while but everyone eventually boarded and we made our way to Carn Near.

I decided to try for the Hoopoe first and took the trail along the Southern Coastal Path...


Took a while but I eventually had a flight and 'scope view. We then made our way to Abbey Pool...


...to enjoy the magnificent Whooper Swans (13)...



...I also had distant views of the lingering Osprey, which was a BIG bonus! Our passing coincided with a Helicopter departure...


After lunch in the Abbey Tea rooms (our second pasty of the trip) we continued round the Great Pool adding Pochard and Gadwall to the ever increasing Trip List. I once again passed the site of my 1996 BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER...


...no way in these days but that's hardly surprising after 28 years!!! I always pay homage here. We tried the Swarovski Hide but it was full so we moved round to the head of the lake and sat on a bench to enjoy the wonderful view until it was time to go for the boat...


While we were there a few groups of swans headed our way. I was hoping Whooper but they were all Mute. We had spectacular views as they flew low, close past us...even Louise was impressed...


A lovely moment occurred when the last two flew low along the Lake towards us. Only one appeared over the vegetation and carried on West? 2 minutes later it returned to join its mate and they arched necks to bond once more.

Middle Friday tomorrow, time to switch Digs. It's also Louise's Birthday. A MEGA and a meal in the Atlantic would be a nice double!?

Trip Total - 78 Species

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