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

All areas on the 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. 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...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 they my photos...

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