Saturday 24 August 2019

Scilly Pelagics

This year's trip to Scilly for four pelagic trips 15th-18th August were good, but lacked the big numbers of large shearwaters from last year. Still, 18 Wilson's Petrel over the weekend was pretty impressive.

Wilson's Petrel



The most impressive bird of the weekend was a pale juvenile Long-tailed Skua that spent some time around the boat, after chasing Storm Petrels.

Long-tailed Skua





A pristine adult Sabine's Gull on the first night was a Scilly tick for me, but it didn't linger.

Sabine's Gull


A couple of Great Shearwater gave brief, but excellent views as they shot past the boat.

Great Shearwater

Fulmar

Gannet
Bonxie
Ruff, Green Sandpiper and Greenshank at Porthellick
A Minkie, 30+ Common Dolphin and 30+ Harbour Porpoise were off Deep Point with large numbers of Manx Shearwater.







Wednesday 14 August 2019

Summer


I've neglected the blog for a while, so here's a quick run through the summer.

An excellent find by Phil B, plus follow-up from Paul D gave us Gateshead's first Iberian Chiffchaff at Swalwell.

Iberian Chiffchaff


More to follow...