Not so Old Friend

A special occasion yesterday as I'd arranged to meet my old Buddy Nige from my past life as a PE Teacher! He's 15 years younger than me lol! I arrived at 8.30 and gave it some time around the car park hoping for my GSW Year Tick...it didn't materialize.

Once ensconced I yet again started to enjoy my favourite view (just tops my bedroom window vista). The Meadow is just starting to turn now with just a hint of Autumn starting to show...he says optimistically. Birdsong has understandably dropped off significantly now as the residents (some temporary) go about their breeding business. I then heard a Cuckoo...then  even better I saw it...

I just caught it before it disappeared, never to be seen...or heard again.

A Scottish chap then appeared and started a conversation(doesn't always happen). He mentioned my new acquisition in the car park and we had a discussion on old Volvo's and a few other brands. Then some 30 minutes later Nige appeared. Great to see him again. I managed to point out a few Species for him as we had our "catch up" and he finished off by spotting a cc Marsh Harrier which he was understandably chuffed about. Nice. The Reed Warbler was still giving the occasional scratchy blast.

32 Species were recorded before we headed for the St Vincent's Arms for an enjoyable lunch. 40 years since my first visit!

Just booked another couple of weeks to the Fortunate Isles in October. A later visit this year due to a quirk of the Calendar...but no matter. It will bring back memories of earlier visits when I was "restricted" to "Teachers Week". I've also secured Louise's favourite flat for both weeks which scored big points! As you probably know "Good Birds" can turn up any time in the "Magic Month" and well into November come to that depending on the vagaries of the Autumn Storms. A few examples of MEGA connections in the "Twenties" ...

Common Nighthawk 24/10/1999

Chimney Swift 23/10/1999

Upland Sandpiper 26/10/1999

Solitary Sandpiper 20/10/2000

Aquatic Warbler 26/10/2006

Ovenbird 28/10/2004

Northern Waterthrush 22/10/2011

Common Yellowthroat 23/10/1997

Rose-breasted Grosbeak 25/10/2007

Indigo Bunting 25/10/2020

1999 was a good year!!!

also...

Snowy Owl 29/10/2008

Red-eyed Vireo 27/10/2011 

Mobility issues continue unfortunately (I'm working on it) BUT that won't stop me from making my annual homage to Scilly. There's History involved here. It's now 35 years since my first visit...and counting!