Back home now after another memorable visit. An interesting return after a bonus night. We enjoyed Saturday morning and left on time at 1.50. We made good progress to Gloucester Services arriving at 6.30. However, things went pear-shaped after that as we encountered another section of "Smart Motorway". I had my rant earlier, suffice to say this was worse, as we obviously encountered it in darkness. We lost around an hour (seemed like three) before arriving at my Mother's at 10.30. We returned over the Pennines early Sunday afternoon and I picked the boys up Monday morning. Still adjusting after pushing it, as usual, BUT...just glad I could get around OK after earlier mobility issues. Hilly Scilly is definitely a challenge and getting more so each Year!!! I'm still going and proud of it...considering. I reckon I topped 80 Miles during the visit and Louise wasn't far behind. We visited all five Islands at least once and enjoyed some stunning Weather (too nice?) and Scenery. The Apartments and Pubs were up to their usual high standards...as were the Pasties!
As for the Birds?
The BIG moment was a brief sighting of a COMMON NIGHTHAWK over Longstones Cafe, which unfortunately didn't develop later in the day/week.
I added 3 Species to my Scilly List, reaching a personal landmark 250. Namely...
BLACK KITE
Little Tern
WOODCHAT SHRIKE
Other noteables...
Barnacle Geese - deemed to be wild Birds
Osprey
Dotterel
WILSON'S SNIPE - maybe?
Hoopoe
Wryneck
Short-toed Lark
BLYTH'S PIPIT
Olive-backed Pipit
ISABELLINE WHEATEAR
Red-breasted Flycatcher
Spotted Flycatcher
Firecrest
Raven
Misses
LESSER YELLOWLEGS - no specific attempt. 2 commuted between Tresco and Bryher
Spoonbill - where is Green Island?!
YBW - Do they really exist?!
Jack Snipe - usually guaranteed
Merlin
Peregrine
Hen Harrier - would have been a Scilly Tick
It was nice to have a few conversations with some of the characters that grace the Islands in October. We bumped into Viv Stratton and his loyal Sheepdog on more than one occasion. Dick Filby did his usual excellent job of relaying information over the radio. Meeting Ron Johns was also a nice moment. We also had a conversation with Alan Hannington on the boat over to Bryher to see the BLYTH'S PIPIT. Bumping into Scilly stalwart Martin was also an annual pleasure.
It wasn't a classic Year and I don't want to repeat what I've already said in the daily diary...hopefully! You can't see a BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER every Year!! The first day was the most exciting as I went from one Bird to another with a fly-over BLACK KITE thrown in for good measure. Yet another "radio" assist.
My second trip to Bryher connecting with the Dotterel at such close quarters was special, as was my incredibly close views of Whooper Swans. I intend to do a separate post on this marvellous day later with some photos, when I've been through them.
This was my 30th visit to the Islands and I'll hopefully be back again next October...if not before? I know I've said this after previous visits BUT where else could you see these Species in a fortnight within a few Miles of each other? Answer - Nowhere!
Trip Total - 85 Species
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