Scilly 2020 - Day 7

10am: Decided not to go to Aggy. We've got kitted up and made our way down to Lower Broome Platform...the site of many a Rare. Fingers crossed...

Never have any luck there. I tried though. Lovely walk...

Typical habitat...

Gave it a couple of hours, then after a stroll down to Morning Point...

...a heavy shower forced us back to the flat for lunch.

1pm: The forecast was for a bright afternoon, the rain beating down on the skylight told us different. Still, got to get on with it...and all that. Once again we kitted up and went for a walk to the Dump Clump (I'm just an old romantic). Things had quietened down but the Westerlies had naturally heightened expectations. I know, I know.

There was no sign of the RBG and a new REV had also disappeared on St Agnes. I was just thinking to myself I was glad I didn't go on the early boat when...

2.01pm MEGA Scilly INDIGO BUNTING St Agnes

My word, I thought!!! Thoughts cast back to Ramsey Island, Wales, October 1996. So, not a British Tick but a quality bird that HAD to be tried for. The excellent WhatsApp group informed me that a boat would be leaving at 2.45. The rain had abated so Louise was happy to continue to Old Town for a walk and I headed for the Quay. When I arrived the expectant Birders were already forming...

Many of the locals were there as obviously this was a first for Scilly and only the third for Britain! Adam Hutt and Mick Turton were also on board from my neck of the woods. It was good to see them both. Dick Filby was also on board.

When we landed on St Agnes the group disembarked in an orderly manner and we made our way down the path towards the Big Pool. The Birders weren't hard to find and neither was the bird, as it was happily feeding on the path...

INDIGO BUNTING (Scilly 220)

After having my fill, I popped round the corner to look for the RED-EYED VIREO. You've GOT to love Scilly. After a couple of "misses" I was pleased to re-locate it in the pittosporum. Too quick for a pic'...unfortunately.

Two rather good additions to the trip list!! It was time to head for the quay for the 5.15 boat back. We didn't make the Turks Head this year as it closed early but here's a pic for the record...

Looking East towards St Mary's...

Panorama East from St Agnes...

A shaky pic' of the troops on the return...

Scilly ain't what it used to be?!!!

Species 68

Scilly 2020 - Day 6

10am: Grim morning weather-wise but every day is precious here..so out I go. Spent 90 minutes around the "Dump-clump"...

My first visit but no luck in heavy rain. Droplets on leaves didn't help. Yellow-browed Warblers have been reported daily here....and were reported after I left lol! I also found out my second " waterproof" jacket... isn't. So, both Country Innovations and Timberland have disappointed? Fortunately, I got them off eBay for a bargain (maybe that's why they were). It doesn't solve my problem though.

A time of contemplation while I have a bite to eat...

British tick or Birding holiday? Both please!!! My best possible combination... is right here. The BIG one might turn up elsewhere but that's far outweighed for me by the Scilly experience. So many great memories on these Islands and there's a good chance it will turn up here. If not, there's always birds to build a day around here...in beautiful scenery.

Time to get back out there...

2pm: ...I got back out there and spent the afternoon on Peninnis...

View over Old Town

The weather thankfully improved but only slightly! An Olive-backed Pipit had been reported but unsurprisingly I couldn't re-locate it...nor could anyone else. I spent some time "down the end"...

...with the Snow Bunting...

Nothing new was seen today. Thought I might sneak a Ring Ouzel...or a Skylark! Late afternoon though...

MEGA Scilly ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK Gugh at 4.30pm

I've been fortunate enough to see two here previously in 2008 (St Agnes) and 2019 (St Martin's). There's a boat going over early tomorrow. Not sure what to do. I'll sleep on it. Some serious westerlies coming this week. Looks VERY promising...in theory. 

Don't expect................

Scilly 2020 - Day 5

We started today with a walk up Peninnis. However, we didn't get far as news broke that the Mandarin had been seen from the blind at Lower Moors. A reasonably short yomp had me "in situ" in around 20 minutes. I was alone as I scanned the Mallards and Teal (61). The view was obviously limited...

...as the hides are closed, but my luck was in, as after around 10 minutes this stunning bird appeared, albeit briefly, from the reeds...

Scilly 219

I gave it another 30 minutes but the bird failed to re-immerge from the reeds. After re-joining Louise, who was enjoying her novel, we headed back to Hugh Town for a coffee and snack, enjoying great views over the bay..

The Garrison on the hill

After our break we headed down Peninnis, as I wanted to try again for the Snow Bunting...in better conditions!

As we started to leave Porthcressa Bay I spotted a small bird darting across the bay...Kingfisher (63). I also picked out a Mediterranean Gull (64) loafing on the rocks...

The day was turning out well weather wise...

The panorama looking west from Peninnis with St Agnes in the distance

I left "the boss" to read again on one of her many preferred benches and headed for the Lighthouse. The bird had been reported in the area below, so I walked down, sat on a rock and waited in the sunshine. I was the only Birder there...

No sign, so after around 30 minutes I had a walk round. It was becoming a challenge, which makes a nice change from previous years when the annual SB has been walking around on the paths at this location. Too easy! Eventually I found it (65)...

Always a pleasure to see...

So, I finally got my fix, in superb weather...

I could have stayed longer but more Birders were arriving and it was our "change over" day so we had to head back to our digs to collect our stuff. As we were walking down King Edward's Road a Little Egret (66) flew over towards Old Town. A nice bonus.

Harping on about the great weather is intentional as things are about to change. I'm hoping the old adage of  "Bad weather, good birds" will ring true in the coming 8 days. I've positioned myself exactly were I want to be. If things work out, fine. If not, never mind, it's great just to BE here. 

I'd be a liar if I said my hopes weren't slightly elevated!!

Scilly 2020 - Day 4

The diary idea didn't pan out today due to variable reception and extensive coverage of St Mary's (10.5 miles). Also worth mentioning here that time is obviously limited for blogging, so apologies for errors etc. I'll do my best!

We spent the first couple of hours walking the Garrison. Great memoroes from here and I added Grey Wagtail (2) to my trip list. Initially we'd planned to visit St Agnes but the niggling thought that the Glossy Ibis may still be present meant we stayed "local". This paid off at 10.40 when the excellent WhatsApp group messaged...

Ibis just dropped into field west of millstone Peninnis

Further messages indicated the bird had headed across Old Town towards the Airport. As we approached OT it was re-located behind the old Tolman''s Cafe. I got there asap and fortunately it waited for me...

Glossy Ibis - Scilly 217

The bird remained elusive throughout the day. We celebrated (well I did) with lunch at the Longstones adding Common Sandpiper (which on checking is a surprising Scilly tick - 218) on the way. Louise then retreated to Carreg Dhu gardens whilst I looked for the Red-backed Shrike that had been seen in the area. I took the path towards Holy Vale. I bumped into a Birder who told me the bird had been very elusive for over a week.It was my lucky day as I'd only moved a short distance when I picked it up on the bracken...

Siskin was also added. We then headed back towards Hugh Town picking up my first Blackcap of the trip at Lower Moors. After a hot chocolate we walked around the corner to Little Porth to try for the Nightingale. Within 5 minutes I had the bird hopping around on th track like a Robin! You've gotta love Scilly...

Eventually it popped up on the fence...as they do?!

A Greenshank was seen in Porthcressa Bay on the way back to the digs. I had the last half hour scanning from the garden, hoping to fluke the Mandarin. No luck but I picked up Peregrine, Merlin plus10 Swallows feeding over Lower Moors. A great day.

60 species

Scilly 2020 - Day 3

Trying something different this trip with a rolling diary...when possible...

10am: Wet start today BUT a decent bird seen on St Agnes...Glossy Ibis...a Scilly tick!

I'm playing it cool, and will probably pay for it. Forecast is grim so we'll be going over tomorrow with fingers crossed. You never know, it might end up here, later today?

Time for a walk down Peninnis for the obligatory annual Snow Bunting!

That boat arriving!

View from the lighthouse towards Pulpit Rock

3pm: No luck this morning but added Peregrine, Snipe and Stonechat .

Glossy Ibis now on St Mary's but very mobile. Not connected... yet. I've positioned myself on the balcony of our digs, more viewing over Lower Moors required...

Fieldfare...

Redwing and Greenfinch (new) in the garden.

4pm: Glossy Ibis now on Tresco. Seen by Birders leaving at Heliport. A nice tick on departure. That's Birding! Swift reported over dump with Swallows. Should have been viewable from digs but not seen. Another Scilly tick missed. That's definitely...Birding!!

Gave it till dusk from the digs balcony. A couple of further reports of the Ibis but I couldn't pick it up. Maybe tomorrow?

53 species

Pulpit Rock

Scilly 2020 - Day 2

Today started well with news of a SEO roosting on Harry's Wall's...

Porthloo beach (always birdy) produced at least a dozen Black Redstarts, Bar-tailed Godwit, Sanderling (3), Ringed Plover, Curlew, Wheatear and a fine female Merlin which dashed across the bay...

I had a walk up to Watermill but nothing of note was seen...lovely spot though...

After lunch we tried Old Town Churchyard and after a good while I glimpsed the hoped for Firecrest. I also added Greenshank, Raven and Redwing. 

The day concluded with me watching at least 50 Swallows feeding over Lower Moors from the digs garden...wonderful!

47 species

Scilly 2020 - Day 1

Hell of a day! Early start 5.30am in Penzance. Over on Skybus for 8.30...

Into digs and out Birding for 10. Pretty steady day, fortunately! Managed a Scilly tick...Greylag Goose (215)...don't laugh.

9 miles covered and a touch of excitement late on with a Black-eared Wheatear shout that came to nothing.

At least 15 Black Redstarts on Porthloo Beach...

Just back from the Atlantic and a good night's kip required. More meat on the bones tomorrow.

Some you win...

After my COVID dip trio...we've done that...I've stepped back into the game with a nice double this week. My personal position is just that...to each their own...

Two mainland birds in suitable situations...IMHO...

So, to Thursday...early, at Trow Quarry, Co Durham...

TAIGA FLYCATCHER

Seen first thing from a spacious vantage point (of course)...then exit stage left! I missed the Flamborough bird of April 2003, as I was in Texas.  A far smarter Spring individual. Not complaining...a tick's a tick. I'd been to this location before for the EASTERN-CROWNED WARBLER...so I knew there was plenty of room.

Now to this morning...

MEGA Norfolk RUFOUS BUSH CHAT Stiffkey Campsite Wood just east of car park at 7.23am

One of those birds that you fancied when you first scanned through the books, when you first started dreaming of rarities...for me. My plan was to set off and see how the land lied as the morning developed. It was going to be BUSY with the first twitchable bird since 1963...apparently.

Negative news at 8.54am?

9.40 RUFOUS BUSH CHAT again on saltmarsh near car park

That sounds better than a wood...onward.

I arrived just after Noon. Parking was going to be a problem! Eventually I found a space at the far side of the Village. After "kitting up" I started the trek back to the coast. Fortunately I found a short cut as Birders were returning to their cars. Once I reached the marsh it wasn't going to be difficult to find the admirers. As I started to walk out onto the Marsh I was really glad I put my Muck Boots on, as it was a mud bath. I weighed up the best position to view from and made my way to a space. The bird had taken up temporary residence in a small area of vegetation, which was thankfully across a channel in the Marsh.

Anyway after around 30 minutes the bird decided to show itself to all by resting out in the open...

That will do me! I made my exit...happy. Island or Mainland...always a dilemma. There'll be many on Islands at the moment wishing they were on the Mainland. You pays yer money...I was VERY fortunate with the timing of these two occurences in the week before...see below...

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That's that then. All aspects of our trip checked. We ARE welcome, so we're going...to Scilly!!! Driving down to Penzance tomorrow. An overnight stop, then over on the first flight Monday. Then it's just...see what turns up over the next 13 days. Simple!?

I'll be doing a diary that you may...or may not, want to follow...

Looking Hard

The early morning cliff walk revealed nothing of note. After a coffee it was time to score some brownie points by cleaning the good lady's car! Half way through my efforts a Birder strolled round the corner. It was Graham Speight. Graham has birded the Village long before I arrived on the scene. After a chat he continued down the Lane while I finished off. I joked about him finding something..."good".

Sure enough 5 minutes later a knock at the door...it was Graham..."Pallas's Warbler"!!! After grabbing my stuff and following him onto Seaside Road I could see him pointing up into the trees. I joined him and we both searched hard...we couldn't re-locate it.

The rest of the day was spent searching for this little jewel...to no avail. All areas were covered by us (Graham remained till late afternoon) and despite the failure I really enjoyed the company and the effort made. There were hundreds of Goldcrests to search through. I also saw a female Blackcap, a couple of Coal Tits and a few very late Swallows (3). A Treecreeper was heard by Graham and seen by Jayne (a birder from Withernsea). Mid-afternoon Graham located a couple of Yellow-browed Warblers in the Churchyard. 

So, disappointing from a personal viewpoint. The "upside" being that these jewels DO occur in my Village...in fact in my Lane!

Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow...it's my last chance? More later...

The Wind is in the East!

Looking good for the next few days, weather wise...in theory at least!? I enjoyed large numbers of thrushes arriving today...always a fine sight. A trip to Withernsea ironically saw me connect with a Little Egret which I still "need" for Holmpton this year! More reports of skeins of Pinkfeet heading South along the Yorkshire Coast, unfortunately none passed my way? Maybe tomorrow...

YBW

Finally got my fix!

Ironically through second hand information. Richard has had them in his garden but I've stayed clear for obvious reasons. This morning on returning from our walk a car stopped and a Birder got out of his car to inform me he'd just seen one on the bend of my lane. I dropped Bud off and took a look. After around 15 minutes of searching I obtained a brief but conclusive view of a Yellow-browed Warbler (P.141, H.128).

The Lammergeier is still causing controversy. Tough bird but surely in danger from man on our over populated Isle. It would be tragic if something "unfortunate" happened to it in the lowlands after all the pleasure it's given. Fortunately it seems to be continuing South this afternoon with a sighting over London at 3pm. Safe journey...

Things are warming nicely!

Significant news broke today...

13.38 MEGA Scilly BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER Tresco east of Great Pool at Pool road between hides

IMHO...THE quintessential MEGA Warbler. Fortunate enough to see one on the same Island in 1996. Great for a new generation to connect and maybe one or two golden oldies? My mini-trip (2 days) when my lads were young is still fresh in my mind.

Yes, there's rarer BUT none better...

...and now...

17.41 MEGA W.Sussex COMMON NIGHTHAWK Church Norton flew over beach towards wood at back of horse field at 4.15pm

Another great Scilly memory. You've got to love October.

I fear the LAMMERGEIER is struggling. The Wash isn't typical habitat! It needs capturing for me and returning to where it belongs.

All things come...

Well some at least!

I've spent a decent amount of time over the past few weeks scanning from the Sewage. The work has now stopped there and access is easy with a great view over the sea. After yesterday's success with my "flushed" Short-eared Owl I was pushing my luck I thought to connect with anything else of note, so soon. Anyway, after a quick pit stop at Tesco, I parked up by the cliff to enjoy my snack and hope.

4.25pm...from the North...

These were NOT going to be Mutes! I reckon they were about 800yds offshore but seemed to flying towards me. Definitely getting closer in...

Exciting stuff!

They banked slightly to their left and continued South fairly close offshore. A fine sight indeed!!

As they passed me I managed some closer images...

Just great birds...

Only my second record of Whooper Swan (H.127) for the Village after I followed a flock of 15 South from Tesco on 22/10/18! 

A late afternoon flurry of House Martins (10) over the field opposite the Cottage was definitely noteworthy. Richard also had a Swift.

Back to Basics

Evening exercise in atmospheric Autumnal conditions. Good for the soul...

Didn't expect much (I never do!). Mild with no wind to speak of...just a pleasant stroll with my faithful friend. "Us Birders" always have scenarios that may or may not happen...don't we?  I'd always fancied Bud to flush a SEO...

There you go! 

Distant (c.0.5 miles) over Seaside Road at 5.40pm

Nice image of the long-winged jizz...I thought!

Then...Swans...out to sea. Any Swan is noteworthy here! At around a mile out I decided on Mute...

My first Rock Pipit (P.140, H.126) of the year on the beach (where else) was a bonus plus 3 Teal on the sea. Not a bad hour and just the ticket!      

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A few catch up images that were hiding on my card from last week.

Stonechat in the Cliff scrub...

Some of the Golden Plover hiding in the plough against the light...

There we are...