Scilly Autumn Part 3

11th October 
An early start and back up to Carreg Dhu where there was again no sign of the Swainson's Thrush. There were two very showy Firecrest and a Blackcap.

Firecrest

The Short-toed Lark was feeding with Meadow Pipit at the top end of Pungies Lane. At Newford Duckpond the assumed female Green-winged Teal was showing it's credentials. Also here a calling Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff and many Goldcrest.

Green-winged Teal

The Spotted Crake was showing ridiculously well at Lower Moors, only two feet away at times.

Spotted Crake

Up on Peninnis a Snow Bunting feeding along the track and a flock of about 40 Snipe were flashing back and forth.

Snow Bunting

Snipe

At the dump clump we had views of an elusive Red-breasted Flycatcher and two Spotted Flycatcher in pretty wet and miserable conditions. In the evening the Blue-winged Teal was still on Porthellick with two Kingfisher.

12th October
A Turtle Dove on the way to Porthellick, where the Blue-winged Teal was showing a bit better, but poor light for photos.

Blur-winged Teal

With good birds around, I assumed that no one had checked the airfield. This seemed to be true, as the first bird I saw was a Richard's Pipit.

Richard's Pipit

The Red-eyed Vireo was feeding and showing well along the track to Old Town church, a bit dull for photos.

Late news and a handy lift from Spider got me up to Bants Carn for a smart White-rumped Sandpiper at Tolls Porth.

White-Rumped Sandpiper

13th October

The White-rumped Sandpiper was an excellent Scilly-tick, but it was today that really made extending my stay by a couple of days worth while.

It started quietly with nothing much on the airfield and just two Yellow-browed, a Sedge and a Cetti's Warbler. Just as I was leaving a garbled message over the radio of Grosbeak and St Martin's got me running for the quay. An optimistic boat-ride was followed by four hours of dashing around the island in panic interspersed with bouts of dipping as the bird disappeared from widely spaced spots around the island. Eventual success was had by a final sprint to give stunning views in fields behind the cricket pitch. Once it was in the bag the Rose-breasted Grosbeak followed me back to the boat, calling overhead and landing in a quayside bush as I dived aboard.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Back on St Mary's there was time for another look at the White-rumped Sandpiper.

White-rumped Sandpiper

14th October

Last day on St Mary's before the boat home. Finally managed a photo of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Too dull and distant, but you can see what it is.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

The Blue Rock Thrush failed to show on the Garrison, but there was a fresh-in Pied Flycatcher.

Pied Flycatcher

A quiet boat home gave just 3 Bonxie to end a superb trip.