Scilly 27 - 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 in the morning for a good tour around St Mary's...unless of course?

Trip Total - 20 species