Radde's and Blyth's

Yesterday was spent chasing warblers on the Garrison and best forgotten.

This morning started well with great views of the Mediterranean Gull on Porthcressa beach.



Mediterranean Gull

Just off the beach and news broke that a Radde's Warbler had been trapped at Porth Hellick. A mad dash and a thumbed lift got us there in time to see the bird released.



Radde's Warbler by Andy Swan

With small groups of Redwing zipping overhead Porth Hellick also held Jack Snipe, Redstart and 2 Reed Warbler.

A walk around the north of the island in brilliant sunshine gave us superb views of a fishing Osprey and a flyby from a Peregrine..



Osprey

Up to Peninnis to dip the Red-throated Pipit that had been flushed by a Peregrine, then a stroll back to town via Lower Moors. News of a Short-eared Owl on a rock in Porthcressa Bay again dragged us along Peninnis.



Spot the Short-eared Owl

We were almost back home when a Blyth's Pipit was called, almost back where we had seen the owl. Back along the headland, at a rather rapid pace and the pipit was in the bag, giving excellent scope views.

A canny day.