PG Tipless

As we sat down for a well earned cuppa the pager beeped with news of a Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler on Gugh. Running like headless chickens, we lucked in as we dived into a mini-bus half full of birders. The generous local dropped us at the quay and tumbled onto the boat, which swiftly left port for St. Agnes. On a rising tide the news from Gugh was not the best. The connecting sandbar was covered and the water deepening. At St. Agnes we leapt ashore and hurtled over the hill. We plunged into water like demented wildebeest, undeterred by waves rolling in from both sides the end was in sight.

Sadly the happy tale ends here and 3 hours later we retreated battered, bruised and shredded by brambles with only Whinchat and Reed Warbler to show for it. Still the fun is in the chase and you've got to be in it to win it. Next time!!!

Before the adrenaline rush the morning was spent on the Garrison under clear blue sky. Starting with Black Redstart, a Yellow-browed Warbler quickly followed.

Yellow-browed Warbler

 Around the shelter of the tennis court a host of warblers were feeding in the sun. Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat and the first Lesser Whitethroat of the trip. A Hummingbird Hawkmoth also zipped through.

The next new bird was a Brambling drinking from a small puddle on the path.

Brambling

 

It was now to Lower Moors where we quickly got the Little Grebe (rare on Scilly) and also had Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and Water Rail. A Clouded Yellow fluttered over a nearby field.

 

Grey Wagtail

 

It was then off to Old Town Café where the adventure began.



Sunset From the boat on the way home