Like most of Britain now. News came through early that there would be no transport to or from the Islands till Tuesday at least. The Boat won't sail until Wednesday! This obviously affects many people...and Birders. I feel particularly sorry for those trying to get ON (there's worse places to be if you can't get off...as long as you can get accommodation). Looking forward to a Visit only to see it thwarted by the Weather is cruel indeed. Some I know have abandoned their Trip altogether. Some I guess will try to fly over on Tuesday?
More MEGA news today with the much anticipated arrival in Britain of a NUTCRACKER!!! Fortunately I'm old enough to have seen the Cocknage Wood Bird in Staffs 2/11/1991. This was straight after my first visit here! From reports I'm seeing this Bird is exhibiting the same liking for Gardens. The Bird I saw was EXTREMELY tame.
I rose early to prepare for my visit to Porth Hellick to try for the SORA. I met my Taxi at 8 and I was in the Seaward Hide 30 minutes later. I figured most would have seen it by now and an early arrival would guarantee me a seat in the tiny Hide. This paid off, as it was empty. This was just as well as it was raining heavily in a strong wind. Once settled, I started to scan the mud in front of and either side of the Hide...
The light was poor...
At least I was OUT and Birding. Almost immediately a Kingfisher (52) landed on the T perch right in front of the Hide. Far to dark and quick for a pic. To the right of the Hide I picked up a bobbing movement that could only mean one thing...
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| Jack Snipe (53) |
Arguably THE best place in Britain to get extended close views of this Species? Common Snipe (54) was also present. No sign of the main target though in an hour. Then 3 of the locals appeared, I recognised Higgo and enjoyed their company for a good while but we couldn't locate the SORA. After they moved on Bernie Beck and his mate appeared and later Spider turned up but still no sign by 10. Yet another Birder appeared, he looked through the side slit and immediately said casually "the SORA'S here!!!
...and so it was...
The light was still VERY poor and the Bird was constantly on the move feeding but it gave incredibly close views and at one point was right in front of the Hide to 10'!!! It had appeared from out of the blue. Timing eh!
This is my 4th Record here, following on from 1991, 2005 (Tresco) and 2013. Again. definitely the Location to see this Species...
After thanking "the finder"he left the Hide as did Bernie and his mate. I wasn't going anywhere in this weather, as it continued to "sheet down" with typical Western Approaches rain! Then an old mate turned up, namely Mark Halliday. It was great to see him again. We've known each other for many years and we talked for a good hour (quietly) before I had to leave for my return transport. He told me his mates Paul Freestone and Adam Hutt were supposed to be joining him for the Week but that is now unfortunately, out of the question. Really bad luck.
I have been more fortunate...on this occasion, as we have until Friday afternoon (at least!?) to enjoy the Islands further and hopefully...I will have something "special" to see.
I got another chance with the Kingfisher thanks to Mark...
Cart Day tomorrow.
Trip Total - 55 Species
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