Scilly 26 - Day 6

A wild night here. Thankfully the wind is abating and only isolated showers this morning. I'm back on Porthcressa scanning...and anticipating some developments. 

I took my eye off the ball with the Flamborough "Robin". As I'm down here I set my Alerts to suit. Turns out the Robin is one I haven't seen. To compound matters one of those funny Shrikes has only gone and turned up in my Village!!!

I'm STILL glad I'm here though... keeping the faith. Relegation is looming lol! Do I protest too much?Hopefully something to celebrate soon. It's looking like the last Boat of the Week will be tomorrow at 11 as the Storm approaches. It's possible we won't see it again till Tuesday!

Today was VERY quiet. I had a nice chat with an Essex Birder called Graham in the shelter on Porthcressa mid-afternoon. Two old boys putting the Birding scene to rights! A fellow Scilly Stalwart. Really enjoyed it. I managed to inadvertently find a Sandwich Tern (47) in the rocky Island...

The camera is useful in acting as a "scope" on occasions. Saves lugging the latter around all the time! Graham picked out a Peregrine and a Merlin (48) but we couldn't re-find the late Tern despite extensive searching. 

Another Cart Day tomorrow. Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 48 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 5

Up early and onto Porthcressa on a fine clear morning. Invigorating...

I made my way towards Little Porth (previous successes include Surf Scoter, Red-throated Pipit, Rose-coloured Starling and Nightingale) and on arrival a pair of Stonechats were waiting for me...

4 Redwings over were new for the Trip as was the sinister presence of a Peregrine gliding across the Bay from the Garrison towards Peninnis. I met Louise with the Cart and after grabbing a couple of take-away Latte's we headed to Porthloo to enjoy them in the sunshine...

Taxi!

We tried Borough Farm...

...and Maypole...

...without seeing anything of note. A message then informed me that the Scilly MEGA namely Bullfinch had be seen again at Shooters Pool. I decided to give it an hour before Lunch. On arrival I nooticed Simon at the far end of the screen. I joined him for the duration of my visit but the Bird didn't show. Good company though!

After Lunch at Longstones we dropped into Carrag Dhu again to try for Firecrest. Needle and Haystack spring to mind...but you gotta try...right? Our friend appeared as soon as we sat on our bench...

A fine specimen

After some 30 minutes as I was looking into the tree above the Bird Bath...

...there it was on a bare branch briefly...a fine male!!! I deserved it lol! Definitely "Bird of the Day". The rain set in around 3.30 so we returned the Cart and headed "home".

A couple of "good blows" coming through tomorrow...

...and Friday

Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 46 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 4

10am

Settled in now and adjusted. Steady morning today as not much about except a Wryneck around the corner on Peninnis allotments ((I'll have a go this afternoon when the rain clears). 

The long-stayers are still...er staying.

MEGAS turning up throughout Britain (I don't DO Ireland) as expected at this time of year. As stated previously "yer pays yer money and makes yer choice". Unless of course you stay at home and wait for the alert...not my option.

My statements on choice of location are just that... personal opinion. Shetland has stuck again with a CHESTNUT BUNTING. Spurn has just landed a BLACK-FACED BUNTING. Here...we wait and search.

Checking the Forecast, as Birders do, the Jet Stream is dropping over Britain from midweek which does sound promising for some Nearctic activity?

7pm

I didn't make it to the allotments as there were no further reports and it's a steep climb (like most places on here). Instead, we had an extremely pleasant afternoon on Porthcressa...

I'm aware it's more views than Birds at the moment!? There's worse places to be though...

Buzza Tower - the famed site of CLIFF SWALLOW and CHIMNEY SWIFT TOGETHER in 2001

I had a bit of fun trying to see as many Species as possible form our Bench...with my Bins. Things started well when I spotted 6 Sanderling on Little Porth at the far end of the Bay...

8 Mediterranean Gulls loafed on the distant rocks and a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull was also present, both new for the Trip. Around an hour later I started seeing Hirundines over Peninnis. At first I could only see 4 Swallows but further scanning produced at least 15 plus a lone House Martin. Again both new for the Trip. For the record, my latest Swallow record for the Islands is the 27th, with HM the 24th. Really chuffed to see this event. I was hoping for a Raptor or two but they didn't materialize nor did the Great White Egret reported earlier flying across the Bay. Just before we left Simon Slade and his Wife strolled by. Yet another "Scilly Stalwart". It was great to see them both again. We shared a few opinions and stories including his attempt for the EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR which unfortunately failed. He was aware of the oncoming Storm and was leaving tomorrow. I couldn't help but sense a tinge of understandable regret in his voice.

Context excitement came in the form of a male Bullfinch at Lower Moors, a Rare Bird for Scilly. The combination of distance and venue meant I declined the opportunity.

The Storm out in the Atlantic is "brewing" nicely. Obviously expectations rise under such circumstances. Fortunately we will be here after things have calmed down and hopefully deposited a few "Goodies" on the Islands? I've never been more aware of the opportunity that is potentially forthcoming? Time will tell...

Cart 3 tomorrow for a FULL day exploring St Mary's. Stay tuned...

The scene on departure

Trip Total - 42 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 3

A cool start today with the continuing NE winds. No rain though and only gentle breezes. We started slightly later as it was Louise's Birthday. She got another Cart as it made sense to hire another on a fine day...we won't be hiring one tomorrow!

We started at Newford Duck Pond, haunt of many a Yellow-browed Warbler. My knack of not finding one continues. I did add Fieldfare with a lone Bird in an adjacent hedge briefly. Great Tit and Sparrowhawk were also added. I gave it a "good go" before we headed to Longstones again for lunch.

The afternoon was spent driving around the Island seeing very little in wonderful sunshine. I did add Meadow Pipit at the Riding Stables.

We spent the last hour at Porthloo Beach again. This time the tide was lower, which meant more Waders were present. An excellent count of Sanderling (c70) plus 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, Curlew and a few Oystercatchers. A couple of Stonechats performed well by our bench. Just as we were thinking of leaving Simon appeared, another Scilly stalwart. It was great to see him again and we had a good chat before departing to return the Cart. This is another excellent aspect of the visit, bumping into old friends and reacquainting. Hopefully I'll see him again when something "interesting" turns up?!

A brief one tonight as we're out to our favourite Pub The Atlantic for the Birthday meal. I'll add some pics tomorrow. Rain in the morning so hopefully something will be brought down for a rest?

Stay tuned...

Trip Total -  38 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 2

The "great weather" continued today as we set off in our first Cart and headed for Porthloo (one of my favourite Beaches (along with Porthcressa)...

It's easy to see why! Usually good for Waders here, although the Tide was in this morning. Highlights included Grey Wagtail (scarce here)...

...Black Redstart, a fine male Stonechat briefly (my first), Rock Pipit and at least 12 Little Egrets.

We then had a drive up to Telegraph. It was worth the Hire charge for this alone! It's a killer hill that I've walked many times, including a yomp with Louise for a SNOWY OWL 29/10/2008. An amazing event!!! I had a walk along the footpath to the Golf Course, a Site where I've seen some great Birds in the past. Alas, nothing today BUT the view was breathtaking...

This view also brought back some memories...

There was evidence of the destruction last Winter's storm had caused with several Trees now "missing" or badly damaged. Next it was Carrag Dhu Garden the Firecrest hotspot. As usual I dipped but we enjoyed a very pleasant hour, as did this VERY confiding Blackbird...

Time for lunch at Longstones which is thankfully still open.

We finished off in Old Town trying for the recently reported Rose-coloured Starling (one always turns up on the Island). No joy but I added a few more Trip Ticks. Unfortunately Kingfisher wasn't one of them either. Time to return the "Birdmobile" for today but it WILL be back...at least this week.

The forecast offers more encouragement from Midweek?

Trip Total - 32 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 1

A loooong drive down yesterday which thankfully didn't include many hold-ups, although the Launceston by-pass was closed on the A30 which meant we had to go through the Town Centre! We left home at 8.30am and arrived at Helston at 6pm. It doesn't get any easier with age. A freshen up and straight into the adjacent May Tree pub...

Cheers!

A VERY early start this morning at 6.30 as we're on the first plane over at 8.15. 45 minutes from the the Premier Inn and we were checking in. Planes were already on the runway and the sky was thankfully clear...

All smooth on landing and a short taxi drive to our flat. We left our gear while the cleaners did their stuff and headed for the Town Cafe. Plenty of people coming and going including a few familiar faces including Al Orton, who gave me a wave. It was great to see him again.

We then made our way up to Porthcressa and found a spot. The Weather was incredible, like the Med'...

I picked up my first Trip Ticks which included Little Egret, Turnstone, Shag and Black Redstart. A message on the WhatsApp relayed belated news of a Jay (Rare on Scilly) seen at Lower Broome Platform. I scanned the Garrison for a good while but didn't get lucky.

We had lunch in the sun at Dibble and Grub and then returned to the flat to unpack. I'm writing this at 3.30 and time for a chill now. I'm knackered after 2 days travel but VERY happy to be here once more. No rush. The Isabelline/Daurian Shrike has gone AWOL over at Porth Hellick and I certainly wasn't trying for it today. Young birds are not identifiable anyway. Personally, I feel they need lumping, like a few others I could mention...but won't! I have seen a similar Bird here many moons ago. Nice Bird though.

There's also a SORA and 1/2 WILSON'S SNIPES present. Fortunately, I've seen both on here previously.

So, a quiet night in tonight before we pick our first Cart up...

My Chauffeur 

...in the morning for a good Tour around St Mary's...unless of course?

Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 20 species 

Scilly 26 - It's time

So, here we are on the eve of our journey SW. It will take all day tomorrow at a leisurely pace. We aim to leave around 8am. The usual half-time team talk will take place at the wonderful Gloucester Services (still strongly recommended). Our ETA for Helston Premier Inn is 6pm. A freshen up and a nice pub meal before an early night in preparation for an early start on Friday as we're on the first plane from Lands End... weather permitting!

The long term Forecast isn't great for American Birds but no matter, something will turn up. The main thing is we'll be back on the Islands once more. Stacks of memories to come flooding back.

I'll be doing a Diary as usual that you may wish to follow? Hopefully there'll be plenty to tell you. We're bringing up the rear on the "Migration Season" this Year but plenty of Great Birds have turned up here after the 16th.

Here we go...

Simply Scilly

This will be my 27th Autumn on Scilly...quite a thought! I've also done a few "Twitches" over the Years....including a double whammy in 2004...CREAM-COLOURED COURSER 30th September and OVENBIRD 28th October.

If you've followed me for any length of time (for which I'm very grateful) you'll have seen me listing my major sightings there, so I won't be doing that again (I may name drop one or two in this summary). Many are on my List in the left hand column.

I fell in love with the Islands on my first visit in 1991, camping on the Garrison. It wasn't a great decision as my tent was useless! This followed on from a horrendous crossing in the Scillonian in a Force 8! I was younger then... obviously. I survived, making some new acquaintances and seeing some great Birds of course including SORA.

There were gaps in the 90's due to my young Family, although I did get a "pass out" in 96 for a 3 days to Twitch my only BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER on Tresco.

After meeting Louise in 2006 we've been most October's, increasing to a fortnight from 2012 on retirement from Teaching. Fortunately, she loves the peaceful tranquility, as do I. Granted, there can be the occasional period of pandemonium (with good reason) lol! Exciting though!

The close proximity of the Archepelago is a BIG plus for me. No driving (We will be hiring a cart but that doesn't count!), pleasant temperatures and fantastic scenery. Easy to pop on an inter-Island boat if need be. Great fun also. Securing her favourite apartment for the 2 weeks earned me huge bonus points! Some great lads choose Shetland...or both...but I'm happy down the SW. I did try it once but it's not for me, with reasons already stated.

So... what will turn up this time? Checking my "previous record" dates, there are plenty of goodies possible after the 16th...if not a previous lingerer? Some stay for weeks, as did the SOLITARY SANDPIPER in 2000. It turned up on September 22nd...I saw it on its last day... October 21st!!

I often talk about "meaningful records". They ALL matter here. Yet it's more than a MEGA...or a Tick... it's the whole EXPERIENCE.

We travel down on Thursday and we're on the first flight Friday... weather permitting. Happy Days...

Winter Wildfowl arrivals and Late Additions

One of the highlights of my Birding Year is trying to catch some Swans and Geese migrating over my Village.

I've had one or two distant Pink-footed Geese skeins over the Sea but no real numbers...yet. Reports of Whooper Swans further North had me at the Sewage yesterday morning for a few hours without luck. I did add Manx Shearwater (P.114, H.92) to the Year List.

I returned for lunch as the weather deteriorated even more...if that was possible! The forecast predicted things would clear by 2. Around 1.30 Louise suddenly pointed out of the Lounge window. I was on my Laptop with my headphones in. "Swans" she cried. I untangled myself but by then they'd passed. She reckoned c20. I'll stick my neck out and say Whoopers? I drove swiftly up to Cliff Farm but they were long gone. Gripped by the Good Lady! To see some from the House would have been special. I did once see a flock over Withernsea Tesco and followed them back along the Holmpton Road! Years ago I had some over my head at Wilberfoss on a Dog walk at Dusk. No doubt Birds from the LDV leaving. Magnificent, tough Birds.

No Swans or Geese then BUT after a visit to With' for some fuel (I tried not to cry), I visited the Sewage once more on my return...

As I approached the Cliff I noticed a Bird perched on a weed through the drizzle...

Perky!

I had my Year Wheatear (P.115, H.93) for the Village...at last! Checking eBird I discovered this was my latest ever sighting for the Village beating my previous on the 5/10/17. Better late than never. Things got even better as I turned the corner and saw THREE in close proximity!!

It was comical to see them bathing in the drizzle...

I decided to make the most of this event and spent a good hour with the trio enjoying there performance from the car. They were fairly mobile but allowed me some further close views eventually...

More images than usual but I thought they were worth it. Hope you enjoyed them...

No sign of them...or much else, this morning...

Garden Tick!

During COVID I was a "captive audience" amassing 83 Species in or from my tiny Garden. This evening as I was watering, I caught sight of a couple of tiny specs shooting into my Pyracantha. I caught sight of both Birds at close quarters. They were Goldcrests (H.91). 

Remarkably and slightly embarrassingly, this was my first record! I did check for the rarer cousin.

Musings

Me again...

A relaxing day keeping my Mother company. She's keener on Football than I am! England did well... VERY well!!!

I saw online that c30 intrepid Twitchers has made the journey to Shetland today. A huge and expensive effort which unfortunately turned out to be unsuccessful aka a Dip. As said yesterday the odds weren't great on this Species remaining. Fortunately, I'm personally in a more relaxed position these days of not HAVING to go. Feels good. 

I've just booked my flight to Dubai for less. You pays yer money...

I'll still hopefully pick the odd Tick up along the way BUT it'll be on my terms. Hopefully something will turn up later this Month for me?

I also read that El Nino has killed the Hurricane season! Not one in the whole of September..Not great for strays from the Nearctic. Still time though.

Back to the Footy...

I've just updated my Best of Duff List (left hand column). Nice to look back on and a decent assortment for an Inland Site...I thought.

CE

Broke the journey to my Mother's with a stop off at...you know where!

Good chat with Haydn and a superb fly-by of a Cattle Egret...

One Bird...

Meeting Resumed

I met Stuart again at the Outstray around 9.30 after our curtailed Tuesday rendezvous. He was right behind me as I drove the track! 

We made our way up to the screen seeing a Wheatear (I STILL haven't seen one in the Village) and Stonechat in the way. A good start.

We had an extremely pleasant couple of hours watching what came, went and lingered. The Avocet flock remains with 300+ present, a magnificent sight!!

The tide was starting to go out but the water level remained higher than anticipated which meant Birds were distant unfortunately. A couple of Marsh Harriers hunted along the Humber shore and Curlew numbers were into three figures.

Stuart scanned intently, recording as he viewed on yet another glorious day...

He'd mentioned he needed Whinchat for the Year and I was pleased to eventually find one for him.

We left around 11.30 and drove down to Patrington Haven as he wanted to know the access. We didn't linger here long as the pools are dry and there is no access to the Humber due to construction.

It was time for lunch at Cakey Bakey in Patrington, strongly recommended! We went our separate ways afterwards. A really good morning in excellent company.

...........................................

Things kicking off now on the Rarity front. No surprise there at this time of year. There's a couple I haven't seen but I won't be travelling. SYKES'S WARBLER doesn't float my boat, especially when I read this...

The Booted Warbler Conundrum: The separation of Sykes's and Booted Warblers is a "perennial source of bewilderment" for birders. Even birds that have been trapped, ringed, and initially identified as Sykes's have later been proven via DNA to be Booted Warblers (and vice versa).

The SIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN on Shetland is a much sought after Bird BUT it is also an extremely skulking Species and I very much doubt it will be seen again. No doubt many happy Birders who were close enough to connect. Congratulations!

Again, no offence intended. Just my personal view you understand.

Just a couple of weeks now till our annual pilgrimage to the Fortunate Isles. Let's hope they live up to there name?

Update: Went up to Cliff Farm for the last hour hoping for an Owl. No luck there BUT a Merlin (H.90) was more than ample compensation. Magic!