Scilly 25 - Day 3

Trying to think what happened first?!

Oh yes, I made it to the Shelter on Town Beach...

A picture 

After Louise had read for a while we set off towards the Dump Clump...

I added Ringed Plover and Turnstone on Porthmellon Beach on the way. I gave it 45 minutes in which time Louise nipped back for my fleece (I chose well). The only Bird I saw was a Goldcrest.

We continued towards Old Town through the School grounds. A few Scilly Song Thrushes were present on the playing field...

A Rose-coloured Starling juv had been present around the Pub for a while BUT I was pleased to see the Cafe was still open which saved a trip up yet another hill!

As we were waiting for our lunch there was some focus from nearby Birders, so I made my way along to the group. I saw the Bird through my Bins but it flew off before I could photograph it. I returned to the Cafe for Lunch. Afterwards I found a seat on the bay wall and waited hoping it would return. After around an hour Louise headed back and I stuck it out. I wasn't going anywhere else now. Birders came and went and a few lingered, as I did.

Then someone spotted it on the wire some 50 yards away...

The admirers moved down as it seemed to drop in the field behind them. I eventually joined them and started to have a chat with Roger from Bath (I said I'd give you a mention). It was his last day and he was hoping to see this Bird before his departure, so he was obviously chuffed although he was hoping for a better view. As we chatted and discussed our former teaching occupation Birders started to leave and it ended up with just the two of us. As we chatted some more, I caught sight of a single Bird on the wire above...

Enforced patience had paid off! For many years I'd charge around all over the Islands but that isn't possible now. However I'm still connecting with most targets at a much more leisurely pace. Another example being this distant Merlin over our stake out...

...and a Kingfisher in the Harbour...

The RCS ended up dropping into the lower vegetation to end a good day...

I bumped into Roger again on the way back, maybe we'll meet again next Year?

Trip Total - 43

Scilly 25 - Day 2

A slower day today...MUCH slower...thankfully! Hope you're not disappointed lol!

I thought I'd been hit by a truck as I tried to get out of bed this morning. I've mentioned the "Power of Motivation" before. I don't understand the Chemistry...but I DO know it is REAL. Having manoeuvred myself around St Agnes yesterday targeting "Key Birds" with the help of my (hopefully temporary) friend Mr Crutch, I was hoping for a quieter time today and so it turned out.

I made my way down to Porthcressa with my Scope and set my stall out on a suitable bench. Louise joined me later after another mooch around Town. I was interested to see if I could pick anything out around Little Porth, the Garrison and Peninnis? I didn't do very well...but it didn't matter as I'd had a brilliant time the past 3 days!!

It was a beautiful day and I was on my favourite Beach enjoying the 20c...and there was always a chance? Decent numbers paid homage to "The DOVE" on the adjacent Island and there was a selection of Scarcities locally but I declined all on this occasion. I have to pace myself...sometimes.

For the Record I'm now around 250 for Scilly depending which Website you read (hopefully standardization coming soon)?

Conjecture on the WhatsApp last night as a Green Woodpecker was reported (heard). A Scilly MEGA with the only previous record in 1901! Imaginations ran riot with some interesting suggestions. Thing is...this location does turn up some incredible Birds. Never say...never? There were no reports today.

As I'm writing I nearly fell off my chair (it has happened) as I see this...

MEGA Co Cork YELLOW-BILLED SAPSUCKER Mizen Head

...followed 5 minutes later by the announcement it was an entry error. I don't "do" Ireland anyway. I have to admit there was a split second flask back to 75. Well before my Birding time. As already stated...ANYTHING can turn up here!!

The Forecast isn't encouraging for Nearctic Species but... you never know...do you? 

Hopefully I'll feel fresher tomorrow...

Trip Total - 35

Note: While I have more time, it's just dawned on me I have now seen every Species of Swift on the British List (8)...7 of them in Yorkshire!

Scilly 25 - Day 1

We've landed! A hectic but exciting few days which were a whirlwind to be honest...from Wednesday afternoon onwards!

Twitching the WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL obviously set preparations back somewhat which meant an earlier than usual rise on Thursday. Anyway, we sorted it and left home at 8.15. The familiar route was taken and thankfully there were NO roadworks or speed restrictions which helped greatly. Gloucester Services was wonderful as usual.

A pleasant stay at the Hayle Premier Inn had us refreshed for an early start to Lands End Airport for the first flight at 8.15. Thankfully there were no visibility problems (always a concern) and we left on time.

As we landed news came through that the MOURNING DOVE was still present at the same location as yesterday. I had a decision to make which to be honest I was hoping I wouldn't have to!? Birders had been trying to pin this Bird down for 3 days and although I saw the Rum Bird in November 2013 ( I helped organise the Charter Boat) it was a Scilly/England Tick and would have been sacrilege to turn down the opportunity. So, Louise did her usual initial recce of Hugh Town and yours truly headed for the Quayside and the Boat to "Aggie".

I was apprehensive about boarding but the lads were great helping me on and clearing a seat for me. I got there early which helped as the Boat was full on departure at 10.15.

Once we'd landed the route march to the far side of the Island began. I wasn't involved. I was pleased to get to the top of the Quay! It reminded me of younger days when I raced up with Dan Pointon to see the ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK with him commenting..."do you work out"! This WAS 2007...I may add.

I made my way steadily around the North side of the Island until I reached the Threshing Mill...

All areas on these Islands bring back memories of Special Birds. This area was were were I saw my second INDIGO BUNTING. I also had great views of Red-throated Pipit here.

I found a small group of Birders and a couple had the Bird in their Scopes. They kindly allowed me a view. Too easy! I stayed in the area for some 30 minutes and people started to trickle away having had their "fill".

I then moved around to the other viewing area and there were only 6 Birders remained...and the Bird was in full view, allowing me to get my pics...

On the Deck

So, success! I chipped in with a Fiver (donations to the IOS Wildlife Trust) and left.

I then looked at my messages and saw a Hoopoe had been seen on the nearby Beach. I made my way across the Cricket Field following trusty Google Maps...

As I approached the Beach I saw a lone Birder and asked him if he'd seen it? He replied yes...it's right here! Again, I had help getting up the steep bank and there some 10 yards away feeding in the sand totally unconcerned...was the Hoopoe...

St Agnes is VERY hilly, like most of Scilly come to that. There was also an AMERICAN PIPIT on the Island (you've got to love Scilly), unfortunately it was down Barnaby Lane which is on the other side of St Agnes and the only way was up past the Lighthouse, a serious climb at the best of times...

Also, I wanted to return on the 3 o'clock Boat to meet Louise...it was now 1.40.

Let's give it a go! I was tiring but still moving. I passed the Post Office...

...and made my way down the Lane....

I got to the Site at 2.10 and with some help from Mark Jones (another Scilly stalwart) I managed to get my photos...

It was touch and go but I just made it back to the Quay and was last to board.

WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL - My Story

Well then...

I'm writing this as the good lady is driving down the M1 at the start of our annual pilgrimage to the Fortunate Isles, let's hope they live up to their fabled reputation. MOURNING DOVE present at the moment.

Around 2pm yesterday I set off with our wonderful Siamese Cat to take him to his holiday residence. Alas, he was on his own for the first time....

14.28 MEGA E.Yorks. WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL ESE of Watton at Tophill Low NR over O Resr early afternoon 

I sorted Smokey out by 3 and headed purposefully NW. THL isn't the easiest place to get to and isn't my favourite Reserve. A road closure didn't help. Anyway I arrived at the car park at 4...

Not very busy 

What to do?

Reports and spotty reception meant a drive to a more favourable location nearby. My (hopefully temporary) mobility issues helped me refrain from walking to O Resr, which was about to work in my favour.

It was now 5 and I'd had enough, I started to weave my way back towards the A614...

5.10 MEGA E.Yorks WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL Bempton Cliffs RSPB flew North over the Visitors Centre 

Google Maps gave me a travel time of 55 minutes. Through Hutton Cranswick onto the A614 and a queue at temporary traffic lights. Eventually through...and onwards... again with purpose. "Flew North" obviously didn't mean "still present" but I HAD to try... right?

Getting through Bridlington in the "rush hour" wasn't ideal but knowing the area well I had a couple of short cuts up my sleeve. These worked very well and I managed to knock a few minutes off my ETA arriving at the Bempton car park at 6.

I grabbed my trusty staff and set off for the Cliffs. It's at this point I may as well confess I didn't have my gear with me as I was originally returning to pack for Scilly! As I turned the corner it was disconcerting to see empty viewpoints and the realization the Bird was being seen far to the North was... challenging.

I'd missed the updates (I was concentrating) so the news it was still present encouraged me as I made my way as quickly as I could along the path North. The classic "setting sun scenario" was playing out...not so nicely. I passed a Birder and asked him if he'd seen it. He was surprised to hear the word Swift, commenting it was very late. I tried to explain (briefly) the significance but he continued on his way! Not everyone is a Twitcher.

I could see a couple at the Viewpoint I was finally approaching (I still couldn't see "the crowd") and I was now preying they were looking at it as I didn't think I'd make Bartlett Nab. I walked up to them and asked "Are you watching the Swift"? Their answer was music to my ears...Yes!

The Gentleman kindly let me borrow his bins...and there it was feeding off the Cliff to the North. I'd made it!!!

Things got even better. As I was getting my breath back the NEEDLETAIL moved towards us and flew low over our heads. Just THREE of us on the Viewpoint.

Simply Sensational!

I floated back to the car and somehow didn't ache as much...

If you're into this game you'll appreciate the significance of this sighting. A Species of Mythical proportions and one I have to be honest enough to say, I thought I would never see.

When I first got hooked on Rare Birds in the late 80's there were certain Species that formed the "Most Wanted" List. As mentioned before I've tried to leave a few for retirement, if I got there, which thankfully I have!

This beauty was right up there with VARIED THRUSH, BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS and BELTED KINGFISHER to name but a few. I'd also place GYR on this List. Of course, there are still Birds I haven't seen... Warblers, Vireos, Flycatchers etc BUT the stand alone Specials...are just that.

So, luck and a sprinkling of determination has enabled me to add this Dream Bird to my List. Maybe someone up there was helping...

Unfortunately it wasn't seen this morning, at least not at Bempton (seen near Aberdeen), which must have been gutting for the assembled troops, some of which would have travelled considerable distance. I've been there.

I've missed a few for various reasons I won't repeat but maybe I'll make 550 in the next 15 days? I was happy to reach 500!

PARULA please!!

WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL

Quite a Day!

Report to follow...

Bit of Both

Over to Duff for 9 for my last session before Scilly. On entering the Geoff Smith Hide I immediately heard (yes heard) a Cetti's Warbler! A great start. I'd heard one in April, so no Year Tick but a nice surprise nonetheless. 

Haydn arrived with supplies...thanks pal. He'd had a Crossbill on Skippy plus some PFG amd a male Marsh Harrier. I told him about the Cetti's and fortunately it continued to be heard for quite a while. Eventually we even managed to SEE it!

Courtesy of Haydn

My effort was er...an ID challenge...

It showed briefly a couple of times more, which was unexpected. Elaine arrived with her Dog and also managed a view. Haydn heard then saw the Marsh Tit...

Decent flocks of Wigeon and Teal in flight at the far end of the Reserve...

...and a few Skeins of PFG over...

Then...a significant sighting!!!I'd just picked up a couple of Stonechats to the left of the Hide when Haydn shouted...JAY! (98). The Bird flew directly across the Scrape and landed in a Bush at the far end...

...followed by...another!

Haydn was surprised at my reaction to this sighting, until I told him it was my first sighting of this Species here for...NINETEEN YEARS!!! My 6th and 7th records. Almost certainly Migrants. Quite a morning at this "quiet" time of Year?

A few Skylarks (c8) were apparent out on the grassland and I had my first Lapwings (2) of the Autumn. It was now approaching midday and we weer thinking of having a drive down to Hemingbrough to try for the Slavonian Grebe. Haydn then asked if I'd got Collared Dove on my Year List? I said no but I'd been scoping  the Farm regularly with no joy. I checked again...and there on the Chimney of the house were...2 Collared Doves (99)...I kid you not!

20 minutes later we were watching the Slavonian Grebe. It was right at the far side on arrival but luckily, it eventually made its way round to the nearside to give us much better views despite the dull weather...

Just after we arrived Andy Holden and his Wife Vicky turned up. We had a good chat and I asked them if they were going to Scilly? I knew the answer! Hopefully we'll bump into them during our visit?

Late news this afternoon...

MEGA : Scilly MOURNING DOVE St Agnes at Troy Town Farm Fields

No further sightings after the initial find? Hopefully they'll find it by Friday...and the Wilson's Phalarope will remain? I don't ask for much!

On return I made my way up to Cliff Farm to check the PFG. There was a decent flock present (c300) but Birds were arriving all the time from various directions. By the time I left I was confident around 1,000 Birds were present. Amazing!

A bonus was the passing of a family of Whooper Swans...

Youngsters following Parents

The finishing touch was provided by the continuing presence of Mediterranean Gulls in the nearby plough. I estimated c20 present...

3 more sleeps...

Whooper Swans

After a quick visit to With', I returned home to prepare to meet Louise in Hull for our annual visit to the Bank. Once a Year is more than enough! As I was leaving...a message on the Local WhatsApp...

33 Whooper Swans South over Grimston

I had 10 spare minutes! I drove down to the Cliff and looked North towards Withernsea. No sign...I only had my Camera...but they're Big Birds! 2 minutes left...then...there they were!!!

P.111, H.94

They "snaked" towards me before drifting West over the centre of the Village...

Absolutely Brilliant!

I'd seen reports over the Weekend of various sized Herds being seen along the Coast and through Spurn. I was hoping I hadn't "missed the boat"? After the magnificent Pink-footed Goose passage (c700 still present in stubble at the southern end) this was the "icing on the cake". Lucky with the timing.

After returning from Hull around 3.30 I returned to the Cliff to see if there was any more "movement". I looked North again and picked out a white "line" on the Sea. A breaking wave? No...

I was being spoiled now...but I'll take it!

I drove to the Old Sewage to try and get a closer look but by the time I'd walked to the Cliff they'd drifted South, so I returned to my original vantage point on Seaside and waited for them to drift by...which they eventually did...

I ended up at Cliff Farm and sure enough the Herd floated by. I was hoping for another fly-by but alas it didn't happen. I contented myself with further views of the Swans and the lingering PFG...

A nice bonus was the arrival "in-off" of 11 Mallards (all drakes). No earth shattering moment BUT a personal "record count" for the Village.

A dodgy dusk shot!

An excellent day..and a lovely ending...