Scilly 25 - Day 10

I was hoping by now to have a "Blockbuster" post to share with you but unfortunately I'm still waiting. Last Friday was pretty good to be fair.

After strong wind and heavy rain overnight today was another glorious one, arguably the best so far...

Porthcressa from Peninnis

I had a walk to the Childrens Playground and looked back over the Bay as you can see. This is my favourite Bay on the Island. Before I set off I bumped into Viv Stratton walking his Sheepdog along the front. It was great to see him again. He stopped for a chat and we discussed Birds and Dogs for a while before he moved on. One of the "Legends of Scilly"...no doubt and a nice guy to boot!

I managed to pick out an elegant Greenshank into the sun...

...there were also at least 3 Black Restarts present.

After lunch I fancied a walk to Porthloo to try for the Knot that had been seen there. Looking at my records I was unsure if I'd seen this Species on Scilly...context and all that. It was just the motivation I needed...and besides it was far too nice to be inside. We worked our way around the Bays and arrived at our favourite bench around 2.30. I managed to negotiate myself into a sitting position by the rocks so I could see right along the Beach in both directions.

The tide was in now and I didn't fancy my chances. 11 Little Egrets were roosting on the Rocks at the Eastern end...

I just managed to "catch" a Wheatear...

No sign of the Target Bird or any Waders at all in 30 minutes. Porthloo is always "Birdy" though, so there's always something to see. Then a flock of Sanderling flew along the Beach and landed. They were into the sun but I could still scan through the "clockwork toys". There was a fat one. There it was! The flock flew almost immediately so I didn't get a pic unfortunately. According to my Spreadsheet Knot confirmation puts me on 253 for Scilly. A topic for a Winter's evening.

I counted at least 10 Black Redstarts...

This one had some company

Returning for the Big Match we bumped into Andy Holden and his Wife Vicky with their young girl. More Scilly Stalwarts. We had a chat before moving on.

So, 5 Days remaining and a couple of Storms due, tomorrow and Thursday? They don't appear to have a "long drag" across the Atlantic BUT they offer some hope...after all...it is OCTOBER!!!

Trip Total - 61 Species