Scilly 26 - Day 7

Another "Twist of Fate" occurred early doors...

8.56 East Yorkshire male SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT Spurn 

You have to laugh?!

Coupled with the continuing presence of the RUFOUS-TAILED ROBIN at Flamborough and the CHESTNUT BUNTING on Shetland, Autumn 26 isn't going too well for yours truly!!!

Not forgetting the remaining taxonomic nightmare Shrike in my Village!

Ah well... onwards. My transport arrived at 9.15 with the "Good Lady" behind the wheel. She brought great news that we can hire a Cart next week after all, which is a huge bonus under the circumstances.

As we were leaving news came through of a Scaup (50) in Porthcressa Bay with the feral Ducks! This was handy as the Bay is just behind our apartment. On arrival a few admirers were already present and the Bird was showing well close in to the Beach...

We also had a sighting of the Scillonian arriving...

It was leaving at 11 before the Storm gathered strength. We won't see it again till Monday...at least? There where also some Mediterranean Gulls showing well further along the Beach...

I bumped into Simon again. He was leaving at lunchtime so it was nice to be able to say goodbye for another Year. One of the good guys.

We then headed up to the Garrison at the Star Castle Hotel... 

The view from here is magnificent and one of the best on the Island for me...

We watched her leave as the horn sounded...

Bon Voyage

As you know, for me the Sea is for looking at, not being on but I have to admit to a touch of nostalgia, bearing in mind this will be its last Season before being replaced. She's been serving the Islands since 1977! My first sail was 1991 in a Force 8. I've wised up since then.

We then headed to a few new areas including Content Farm and Rocky Hills without seeing anything of interest. A few Trip Ticks were on offer including a Lapwing but we couldn't find it...or anything else for that matter. We had 30 minutes at Porthloo and I managed better views of Black Redstart...

... before adjourning for lunch at Longstones. We were aware that the Weather was going to deteriorate but we managed to get to 3 before the rain and wind arrived and Louise returned the Cart.

We'll be hunkering down for a period now as the Islands deal with the Storm. Gale Force winds overnight and through Friday, followed by torrential rain on Saturday. 

What did I say about Shetland lol! So... this part of the "Master Plan" is still in place, as we have till next Friday for Birds to arrive?

As I'm pacing myself I thought I'd revisit (encourage myself) with some "Previous Records" of mine from here that have occurred after the 22nd...

1991

SORA

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH also 2002

BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT

1996

BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER

AMERICAN BLACK DUCK

1997

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT

BLACKPOLL WARBLER

1999

CHIMNEY SWIFT

UPLAND SANDPIPER

COMMON NIGHTHAWK

2004

OVENBIRD

2006 

AQUATIC WARBLER

AMERICAN ROBIN

2007

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK

2008

SNOWY OWL

2011

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH

2020

INDIGO BUNTING

This isn't a boast (you should know me by now) just a statement of fact. There will obviously have been other records that I didn't see. So, plenty of possibilities. Maybe something will arrive, maybe it won't BUT this Storm brings promise and I'm handily placed. Also Birds turn up even later in November like my HERMIT THRUSH 29/11/2019. There was also a CAPE MAY WARBLER on Bryher from November 10th - December 4th.

Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 50 Species