Scilly Autumn Part 2

7th October
After more running around decent scope views were had of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo from the road, looking into Lower Moors. Still no photos, but better than yesterday!

A 'real' red Red-throated Pipit spent just enough time in the pig fields on Peninnis for us to get there. It further obliged by popping up on to a shed roof to pose beside a Meadow Pipit.

Red-throated Pipit

8th October

The early boat to St Agnes following late news of the Blue-winged Teal. Unfortunately we arrived to no duck and the news came through that it had been relocated at Porthellick back on St Mary's. Stranded on St Agnes until the 14.30 boat it was sad to see the island so devoid of birds. All we had was Merlin, Spotted Flycatcher and a Blackcap. The unfairness was compounded by news of a Red-eyed Vireo by Old Town church.

The boat came and a quick cab ride got us to Porthellick for a quick look at the Blue-winged Teal from outside a full hide.

Blue-winged Teal

A jog along to Old Town meant we arrived just as the Red-eyed Vireo started to show. After it grabbed a huge caterpillar the Vireo sat out in the open, basking in the sun, obviously shattered from its marathon flight. 

Red-eyed Vireo

As we headed home the Red-backed Shrike was showing from the top of the field.

9th October

No sign of the Blue Rock Thrush around Peninnis, but we picked the Red-eyed Vireo again, looking recovered from the journey it was zipping around the hedge tops. Two Firecrests were also here.

Up on the air field the Dotterel was more lively, but too distant for photos. Two Yellow Wagtail flew overhead as we passed through Holyvale. 

A look over the gate just south of Borough Farm came up trumps. Just three pipits in the field, two obvious Meadow, while the third we concluded had to be Buff-bellied. The unstreaked, grey/brown back, delicate, pointed bill and pale lores all pointed to this species. A bit far for the DSLR, the following poor phonescoped shot confirms the identification. Unfortunately the three birds lifted and flew off west, not to be seen again.

Buff-bellied Pipit.

10th October

The day was spent in Carreg Dhu dipping Swainson's Thrush. All we saw were 2 Firecrest, 2 Blackcap and a Hummingbird Hawk-moth.