A combination of a relatively "quiet" Autumn and the start of "Wintertime" had me reminiscing somewhat. On this date 3 years ago I spent the whole day with a VARIED THRUSH on Papa Westray. A truly monumental experience for yours truly.
So, to cheer myself up I thought I'd revisit the occasion and give a condensed version of events leading up to and during my visit. The full original report is in my Top Ten in the right hand column.
The first thing to say is that I may struggle to do a similar Twitch in the future? Reading back through the post I sometimes wonder how I managed it!!! Also, I was lucky it remained present (first seen Wednesday) until I left Scilly on Friday afternoon. It seems we drove to Bury (354 miles) arriving early Saturday morning (smart Motorways getting another mention). An afternoon drive back to Holmpton (110 miles) then North into Scotland in the evening. A few hours kip then onto Scrabster (501 miles) for the Ferry at Noon. Basically Lands End to John O'Groats...ish. Taxi across Orkney, then plane to Papa (72 miles), just connecting before Dusk, thanks to David Roche picking us up at the Airport. Crackers but adrenaline filled!!!!!!
Having experience of the Island (STELLER'S EIDER) and the Hostel made Sunday evening and night VERY relaxing and satisfying. The only question now was...would it be there tomorrow? Thankfully it was.
On reflection I'm leaning towards this Twitch being my favourite. The combination of distance covered, location and Species...is hard to beat. The NIGHTHAWK and ALBATROSS will remain very special as both were surprise flight views...as well as being charismatic. I DO love a Thrush though...especially a Zoothera (always will be to me)...
Roll on Spring...
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