A look back at the birding highlights on the Islands in 2007
18th to 31st December
The period started on high with an influx of Cattle Egrets across the islands. Up 2 Wilson’s Snipe were present throughout. Following photos, videos and prolonged study over the last 3 months it transpires that at there were 4 birds involved in the records of Wilson’s Snipe since October. It appears that all the putative records of Wilson’s Snipe in Britain have come from Lower Moors! The 2 Spoonbills, the 12 Whooper Swans & the Marsh Harrier remain on Tresco and there are still a few Chiffchaff, Firecrest, Redwing & a smattering of Fieldfare and Siskin around. A probable juvenile American Herring Gull was seen on several days on Tresco, but never well or long enough for a 100% identification.
18th There was an influx of Cattle Egrets involving at least 4, probably 6 birds. One seen flying over Carn Gwaval School playing fields and the around St. Mary’s until dusk, 2 were in pig fields on St. Martin’s and 3 were in a field by the church on Tresco. It has yet to be established whether the St. Martin’s birds were the same as those on Tresco. These were the first Cattle Egrets on Scilly since the first records of 2 birds in May 2001.
A Scaup was also seen on Tresco.
Other records included:
19th 3 Cattle Egrets were seen around St.Mary’s and a Common Gull was on Porthloo.
20th A Cattle Egret was on St. Mary’s and another was on Tresco, 2 Black-throated Divers were in Tresco Sound.
21st 3 Cattle Egrets were on Tresco and another was at Borough Farm, St. Mary’s. On St. Mary’s a second winter Mediterranean Gull was in Porthcressa Bay and a Black-necked Grebe was found in Town Bay remaining into the New Year. As well as the birds already mentioned, a trip to Tresco produced a Common Buzzard, a Little Egret, 2 Shoveler & 5 Wigeon, the latter 3 species also staying into 2008.
22nd 2 Cattle Egrets were still on St. Mary’s and Black Redstarts were seen on Holgate’s Green and Tresco. A noteworthy record was a count of 42 Lapwings on St. Mary’s Airfield.
23rd A Black-throated Diver, 3 Slavonian Grebes and a Common Scoter were seen off
Innisidgen.
24th A Cattle Egret was by St. Mary’s Airport car park.
25th A Cattle Egret was seen near St. Mary’s Golf Course.
26th 500 Kittiwake, a Black-throated & 2 Great Northern Divers were seen from the Garrison.
27th A Siberian Chiffchaff & a Firecrest were seen in Lower Moors and a Black Redstart was in Little Porth.
28th & 29th No reports other than those mentioned above.
30th 3 Slavonian Grebes and 4 Common Scoters were seen off
Innisidgen.
31st 2 first winter Iceland Gulls were on Skirt Island, near Tresco and 1 of these or another was seen later in Porth Mellon.
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11th to 17th December
After the recent excitement a fairly quiet week, with Yellow-browed Warbler, a handful of Black Redstarts, Iceland Gull, 2 Spoonbills and 2 species of Grebe and Diver.
11th The 12 Whooper Swans had now moved to Tresco, where the 2 Spoonbills seem to have taken up residence. On St. Mary’s a Black Redstart was on Holgate’s Green, the 1st winter Scaup was in Porth Mellon and off Innisidgen there were 2 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Common Scoters, a Black-throated & 16 Great Northern Divers.
12th The Spoonbills & Whooper Swans on Tresco were joined by the Scaup, also on the island were 2 Black-throated Divers & a juvenile Iceland Gull in Pentle Bay, a Yellow-browed Warbler near Rowesfield cross-roads and a Black Redstart on New Grimsby beach. A Black Redstart was at Porthloo.
13th & 14th No reports
15th The Black Redstart was still around Holgate’s Green, and off Innisidgen there were 3 Slavonian Grebes, a Red-necked Grebe, 3 Common Scoters, a Black-Throated & 6 Great Northern Divers.
16th 2 Black Redstarts were at Shark’s Pit, another was on Porthloo and a fourth was on Holgate’s Green. A few Redwing, Fieldfare & Siskin were about St. Mary’s, a Woodcock was seen at Normandy and 134 Sanderling were counted on Porthloo. Off Innisidgen there were 3 Common Scoters, a Red-necked & a Slavonian Grebe and a Black-throated & 8 Great Northern Divers.
17th The only report was of a Grey Phalarope seen off the Garrison at Morning Point, before flying towards Peninnis.
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1st to 10th December
The 2 Wilson’s Snipe were still around at he beginning of the period otherwise fairly quiet with a few Divers, Black Redstarts, Firecrests, Chiffchaffs a Yellow-browed Warbler & the Whooper Swans still present. This changed with a bang when a Great Blue Heron (a new bird for Britain) was discovered at Lower Moors on the 7th, unfortunately for the influx of visiting birders it was not seen next day.
The day by day reports were:
1st 2 Wilson’s Snipe were still at Lower Moors, a Black Redstart was at Porth Hellick & a second winter Mediterranean Gull was at Porthloo.
2nd A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Lower Moors.
3rd The 12 Whooper Swans were still at Porth Hellick, remaining until at least the 10th, also there was a female Pintail. 2 Common Scoter were off Bar Point and on Tresco there were 2 Spoonbill & 18 Little Egret.
4th 3 Common Scoter, a Black-throated & 2 Great Northern Divers were off Bar Point and 3 Balearic Shearwater flew past Peninnis.
5th A Siberian Chiffchaff was on Porth Hellick Loop also in the Porth Hellick area were 2 Firecrest & a Reed Bunting. In the fields between the Airport and Old Town there were 30 Fieldfare & 7 Woodcock.
6th No reports.
7th A first winter drake Scaup was in Porthcressa Bay and 2 Black Redstarts were on the beach. At about 14:00 Ashley Fisher made the find of the year at Lower Moors – a first winter Great Blue Heron. It was seen well by the resident birders and good photographs were taken, it was lat seen from the Hilda Quick hide at dusk.
8th 4 Teal, 4 Greenshank, 3 Redshank and a Merlin were at Porth Hellick Pool and nearby on Porth Hellick down there was a Whimbrel. A Greenshank & a Sparrowhawk were at Lower Moors, the 2 Spoonbill where still on Tresco and an adult Mediterranean Gull was on Porth Mellon.
9th The Scaup was still in Porthcressa Bay, the female Pintail had moved to Newford Duck Pond, a Firecrest was at Porth Hellick, a Yellow-browed Warbler was in Lower Moors and Black Redstarts were at Old Town and Pelistry Bay.
10th The Scaup was now on Porth Mellon and a female Common Scoter was in Porthcressa Bay. 3 Firecrest, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Jack Snipe & the Yellow-browed Warbler was in Lower Moors and 2 Black Redstarts were at Old Town.
On Tresco there was a Marsh Harrier 7 the 2 Spoonbill were still present.
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November 24th to 30th
The numbers of Thrushes and Finches around the Islands seem to have dropped dramatically.
Nov 24th Two Woodlarks were at Normandy farm St Mary’s with a Black Redstart at the Airport.
Nov 25th A Wilson’s Snipe was at Lower Moors and there was a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Firecrest at the Dump clump.
Nov 27th Off Stony Island, a Red-necked Grebe, Black-throated Diver and one Common Scoter. Off Samson, there were 2 Spoonbills. 12 Whooper Swans flew in to Porth Hellick and were still present late afternoon. At dusk a fully winged female Mandarin Duck was at Lower Moors, it had reportedly been there for several days
Nov 28th The 12 Whoopers remained at Porth Hellick and a Wilson’s Snipe was at Lower Moors but there was no sign of the female Mandarin today.
Nov 29th Two Wilson’s Snipe were at Lower Moors.
Nov 30th 12 Whoopers still at Porth Hellick and two Wilson’s Snipe reported from Lower Moors with a Jack Snipe.
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Bird sightings in Scilly from Nov 14th to 22nd Nov. 2007.
During this period the following species were noted in good numbers around the Islands- Siskin, Brambling, Chaffinch, Redwing, Fieldfare, Wood Pigeon (including one large flock numbering as many as 1000). Skylarks were seen in small numbers and Woodcok were noted as arriving.
From the pagers-
14th St Mary’s There were three Yellow browed Warblers in the Porth Hellick Area, with a Bar- tailed Godwit and a Black Redstart at Porth Loo.
16th A juvenile Spoonbill was still on Tresco at New Grimsby and there were two Swallows lingering on Lower moors St Mary’s.
18th 10.00am A Cattle Egret was found by Big Pool St Agnes it only remained a short while and was seen to fly eastward towards St Mary’s. It was relocated at 15.00hrs flying over Carn Frias Farm, later it was seen going to roost in the reeds at Porth Hellick. Meanwhile on Tresco, Three Spoonbills were on Plumb Island and a Yellow browed Warbler was Nr the Abby Pool.
19th St Mary’s. The Cattle Egret was seen on and off throughout the day in the Porth Hellick area and a Black Redstart was at the airfield.
20th A yellow browed Warbler at Carn Frias, there were no confirmed reports of the Cattle Egret today.
21st The Wilson’s Snipe was reported as back at Lower moors, and the Cattle Egret was again at Carn Frias. On Tresco 2 Sponnbills were at the Great Pool
22nd The Cattle Egret was in the sheep fields at Carn Frias until at least 13.30hrs and there was one Swallow over Porth Hellick pool. A late Clouded Yellow butterfly was also seen there.
At Lower Moors the Wilson’s Snipe was in front of the ISBG hide and there were at least five Firecrests in the area.
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30th October to 8th November
Inevitably as most of the visiting birders have left the coverage is greatly reduced but here were still some good sightings. As well as large numbers of finches (mainly Chaffinch & Siskin) there were also ‘lots’ of Fieldfare & Redwing.
The day by day sightings were:
30th There were still plenty of Firecrests & Black Restarts around.
On St. Mary’s at Lower Moors the Wilson’s Snipe was still present. Also there a Siberian Chiffchaff, a late Willow Warbler, a Reed Bunting & a Merlin. A summer plumaged Black-throated Diver was seen of Innisidgen, 3 Skylark were on Peninnis, a Richards Pipit was on the Airfield, a Pallas, s Warbler was at Trenoweth, 2 Water Pipits were at Porth Hellick Pool, a Laughing Gull flew over Hugh Town and was then seen in The Roads. At Newford Duck Pond there was a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Reed Warbler and another Siberian Chiffchaff.
On Tresco the juvenile Spoonbill was still present and there were also 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Marsh Harrier, a Reed Bunting, a Jack Snipe and 2 first winter Mediterranean Gulls.
31st A Little Auk was reported flying past Peninnis, a Mistle Thrush & a Firecrest were on the Garrison and a Kittiwake was in Porthcressa Bay. The 2 Water Pipits at Porth Hellick were joined by 2 Brambling, a Little Grebe, a Woodcock, a Reed Bunting and 2 Golden Plover flew over. Another Reed Bunting was at Rocky Hills, a Woodlark was at Carn Friars, a Lapland Bunting was on the Airfield, 3 Common Redpolls were near Juliet’s Garden and a Snow Bunting was on the Golf Course. At Lower Moors there was a Red-breasted Flycatcher, 2 Firecrests & a Yellow-browed Warbler and at Newford Duck Pond the Yellow-browed Warbler & the Siberian Chiffchaff were still present and 2 Lapwing flew over.
Away from St. Mary’s a splendid summer plumaged Great Northern Diver & the Spoonbill were in Tresco Channel and 7 Bar-tailed Godwits & an adult Common Gull were on Samson. A trip to Bryher logged 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Grey Plover, 10 Shelduck, 2 Firecrests, a Yellow-browed Warbler and a probable Siberian Chiffchaff. Very noticeable on Bryher was a steady passage of Chaffinches flying south in groups of 50 or so, a similar passage was noted at the Daymark on St. Martin’s, where a Hawfinch was seen with the Chaffinches. The Rose-coloured Starling was till on Gugh Bar and a Mediterranean Gull was in The Roads.
1st was a day for Yellow-browed Warblers with birds reported as follows: 3 at Porth Hellick, 3 at Newford Duck Pond, 2 at Carn Friars, 1 at Lower Broome, 1 at Carreg Dhu Gardens, 1 at Carn Gwaval and 1 at Lower moors. Other birds seen were 2 Willow Warblers, the Wilson’s Snipe, a Firecrest, a Brambling & a Green Sandpiper at Lower Moors. 2 Water Pipits, 2 Brambling, a Lapwing & a Reed Bunting were at Porth Hellick and a Lapland Bunting & 2 Richard’s Pipits on the Airfield. A Reed Bunting was at Old Town, 3 Common Scoters & a Black-throated Diver were seen off Innisidgen, 3 Brambling & a Lapland Bunting were on Peninnis and 2 Firecrest & a Willow Warbler were at Newford Duck Pond. 4 Black Redstarts were on Porthlow Beach, 1 was on the Airfield & 1 was at Maypole. The bird of the day for the one local who saw it was a Corn Bunting at Salakee, it is a very scarce bird on Scilly. Sightings on other islands were a Red-backed Shrike on St. Agnes and a Common Scoter, a Spoonbill & 21 Little Egrets in Tresco Channel.
2nd An Arctic & a Great Skua, a Minke Whale & 20 Common Dolphins were seen from Giant’s Castle and the Wilson’s Snipe was still at Lower Moors. The 2 Richard’s Pipits remained on the Airfield, 2 Snow Buntings were on Peninnis, a Black Redstart was at the incinerator in Hugh Town, a Lapwing was at Porth Hellick and a Woodcock was in Holy Vale. Single Yellow-browed Warblers were reported from Porth Hellick, Holy Vale and Shooters’ Pool. 2 Merlins were on St. Agnes.
3rd The 2 Richard’s Pipits were still on the Airfield, also there were 9 Golden Plover. A Pallas’s & 3 Yellow-browed Warblers were at Porth Hellick, a Reed & a Yellow-browed Warbler were at Newford Duck Pond and a Yellow-browed Warbler was at Star Castle. ‘1000s’ of Redwing & Fieldfare were on St. Mary’s and a Lapwing was touring the island. 2 Mealy Redpolls were at Porthloo Duck Pond and a Dunlin & 80+ Sanderling were on Porthloo Beach. 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin & a Sparrowhawk were on St. Mary’s and the juvenile Spoonbill was on Merrick Island near Tresco.
4th The 2 Richard’s Pipits were still on the Airfield and single Yellow-browed Warblers were at Porth Hellick, Watermill Lane, Newford Duck Pond and Lower Moors. 4 Common Scoter & a Black-throated Diver were seen off Innisidgen, 2 second winter Mediterranean Gulls were off Bar Point and 6 Brambling were at Jac-a-Ba feeding station. An adult male Ring Ouzel was seen briefly at Lower Moors were there was also a Jack Snipe. A Siberian Chiffchaff was on Tresco. A visit to Bryher produced 2 Lapland & 2 Snow Buntings, 2 Firecrest and 10 Black Redstarts.
5th The 2 Richard’s Pipits were still on the Airfield & a Jack Snipe was at Newford Duck Pond. A Pallas’s, a Reed & 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, 4 Firecrests and a Siberian Chiffchaff were all in the Higher Moors/ Porth Hellick are and a very late Black-tailed Godwit was on Porth Hellick Beach. A Yellow-browed Warbler & 2 Firecrests were at Lower Moors and another Yellow-browed Warbler was at Carn Gwaval. There were still ‘lots’ of Redwing & Fieldfare on St. Mary’s.
6th The 2 Richard’s Pipits were still on the Airfield, Yellow-browed Warblers were seen at Higher Moors, near the seaward hide at Porth Hellick, at Carn Friars and 2 at Lower Moors. A Firecrest was at Porth Hellick and a Siberian Chiffchaff & a Willow Warbler at Lower Moors. 60 Sanderling & 4 Black Redstarts were on Porthloo Beach and there were lots of finches in the Trenoweth area including at least 20 Bramblings.
On Tresco the juvenile Spoonbill was joined by 2 adults, one of which had rings identifying it as the juvenile bird that was on Tresco from October 2005 until March 2007.
7th Yellow-browed Warblers were again at Lower Moors, Carn Friars & Porth Hellick where there was also a Blackcap, a probable Siberian Chiffchaff, 5 Firecrests and a Jack Snipe. The Black-tailed Godwit was still on Porth Hellick Beach and the 3 Spoonbills were still on Tresco.
8th 2 Yellow-browed Warblers & a Woodcock were near the hides on Porth Hellick and a Kingfisher & the Black-tailed Godwit were on Porth Hellick Beach. The 3 Spoonbills were still on Tresco.
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22nd to 29th October
A few of the more common migrants are still around, the highlights of the week are listed below:
Black-throated Diver – 1 flew over Tresco on the 22nd.
Great northern Diver – Up to 2 birds around the islands until the 25th.
Little Grebe – 1 remaining on the Great Pool, Tresco until the 24th.
Gannet – About 2000 in inter-island waters on the 22nd.
Shag – 900 in St. Mary’s Sound on the 24th.
Little Egret – Present throughout, the highest count was 22 on the Great Pool on the 25th.
Spoonbill – 1 on Tresco throughout.
Marsh Harrier 1 present until the 26th at least.
Hobby – Last reported on the 25th.
Spotted Crake- 1 on the Great Pool on the 22nd.
Lapwing – Seen every day up to the 25th with a maximum of 5 at Sunnyside, St. Mary’s on the 24th.
Purple Sandpiper – 1 on Seal Island on the 22nd.
Jack Snipe – 4 to 5 birds on St. Mary’s & Tresco all week.
Wilson’s Snipe – 1 bird at Lower Moors, still present until the 27th.
Woodcock – Increasing in numbers, with up to 4 birds reported daily.
Grey Phalarope – 1 off Toll’s Island on the 23rd.
Pomarine Skua – 1 past Horse Point, St. Agnes on the 24th.
Mediterranean Gull – 2 to 3 birds around the islands.
Little Gull – An adult on a pelagic trip on the 25th.
Puffin – A few birds are lingering, 6 were seen on a pelagic on the 25th.
Turtle Dove – 1 on St. Agnes on the 21st.
Short-eared Owl – 1 on St. Agnes on the 23rd & 25th and 1 on Tresco on the 26th.
Woodlark – 4 over St. Agnes and 1 at Bar Farm, St. Mary’s on 25th, 2 on St. Martin’s on the 26th.
Red-rumped Swallow – 1 in the Porth Hellick area on the 28th.
Richard’s Pipit 1 on St. Martin’s on the 25th & 26th.
Blyth’s Pipit – The 1 on Tresco near the Primary School was last seen on the 23rd.
Red-throated Pipit – 1 joined the 2 Water Pipits at Porth Hellick Pool briefly on the 27th.
Water Pipit – 1 on Tresco on the 22nd & 24th, 1 at Carn Vean on the 23rd and 2 at Porth Hellick Pool from the 26th to 29th at least.
Black Redstart – An influx, with 50 to 60 birds midweek.
Grey-cheeked Thrush – The very elusive individual on Porthloo Lane was last reported on the 24th.
Mistle Thrush – Still more about than is usual with 10 reported on the 25th.
Cetti’s Warbler – 1 trapped and ringed on St. Agnes on the 26th.
Blyth’s Reed Warbler – Last seen on Bryher on the 23rd.
Pallas’s Warbler – Present on St. Mary’s throughout with probably 4 birds on the 23rd.
Yellow-browed Warbler – Present every day with up to 11 around the islands midweek.
Dusky Warbler – An elusive individual on St. Agnes from the 25th to the 29th at least.
Siberian Chiffchaff – 2 to 3 birds reported on St. Mary’s on and off throughout the week.
Firecrest – Still present throughout the week with a count of 22 on the 25th.
Red-breasted Flycatcher – 1 in Carreg Dhu Gardens until the 26th and 1 in Lower Moors on the 23rd.
Rosy Starling – A juvenile on St. Agnes/Gugh all week.
Chaffinch – A large influx involving ‘1000’s’ of birds with 1500 along Pool Road, Tresco on the 24th.
Brambling – Present all week with 13 on the 26th .
Siskin – Still about in large numbers.
Blackpoll Warbler – The bird in the Porth Hellick/Higher Moors area was still present on the 23rd.
Lapland Bunting – 1 on Tresco from the 22nd to 26th..
Snow Bunting – 1 on St. Mary’s Golf Course all week and 1 on Porth Cressa beach on the 27th.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak- A bird, that was frustratingly elusive at times, on St. Agnes from the 22nd to 29th at least.
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15th to 21st October
As well as the more common migrants the highlights of the week by species extracted from the log are listed below:
Shelduck – The first of the autumn was one in The Roads on the 16th with 4 around the islands by the 19th.
Black-throated Diver – A winter plumage bird and a summer plumage bird between the 15th and 17th.
Great northern Diver – Up to 3 birds around the islands until the 19th, including an adult in summer plumage.
Little Grebe – 1 to 3 birds throughout.
Great Shearwater – One on a pelagic trip on the 18th.
Gannet – A huge movement with about 2500 off Pelistry on 19th.
Little Egret – Present throughout, with a maxima of about 30 around the islands.
Spoonbill – 1 on Tresco on the 20th and 21st.
Marsh Harrier 1 female present all week.
Osprey – The long staying juvenile was last reported on the 15th.
Hobby – Present all week.
Lapwing – The first of the autumn was 1 on St. Agnes on the 19th, 2 birds were in the Pelistry/ Carn Vean area on the 20th & 21st.
Jack Snipe – 6 birds around the islands at the beginning of the week dropping to 2 by the 21st .
Wilson’s Snipe – 1 bird at Lower Moors, still present on the 21st (since the 11th) and a probable second bird on the 21st.
Woodcock – 1 on Porthlow Lane on the 16th and one at Rockyhill on the 21st
Lesser Yellowlegs – On the 15th one was glimpsed on Porth Cressa beach before moving to Porth Hellick Bay were it lingered briefly. It was seen flying past Old Town bay on the 17th.
Grey Phalarope – 1 flew over Telegraph on the 15th, 1 was seen off Peninnis and 6 on a pelagic on the 18th. On the 19th one was seen from Horse Point, St. Agnes, 1 from Deep Point and 1 was seen at sea.
Mediterranean Gull – 2 to 3 birds around the islands.
Little Gull – A juvenile past Peninnis on the 15th.
Puffin – 4 late birds were seen on a pelagic on the 18th.
Turtle Dove – 1 on St. Agnes on the 21st.
Long-eared Owl – 1 at St. Agnes on the 19th.
Short-eared Owl – 1 on Tresco the 15th, 2 flying from St. Mary’s towards Bryher on the 16th, 1 on Gugh & 1 on the Golf Course on the 17th, 1 over Telegraph on the 18th, 1 again on Gugh on the 19th and one on Bryher on the 20th.
Wryneck – 1 at Gimble Porth, Tresco on the 17th & 1 there on the 21st.
Short-toed Lark – 1 on the Airfield from the 15th to the 18th and one over Peninnis Farm Trail on the 21st.
Woodlark – 6 at Telegraph on the 18th, 3 at Tremelethen, 3 on Bryher & 1 on Gugh on the 19th. 1 at Trenoweth, 1 at Carn Vean & 1 at Carn Gwaval on the 21st.
Richard’s Pipit 1 on St. Agnes on the 11th.
Blyth’s Pipit – 1 on Tresco near the Primary School from the 16th to the 21st.
Water Pipit – 1 on the Airfield on the 20th and one on Tresco Cricket Field on the 21st.
Grey-cheeked Thrush – The very elusive individual on Porthloo Lane remained throughout the week.
Mistle Thrush – Numbers still much higher then usual.
Blyth’s Reed Warbler – 1 still on Bryher all week.
Dartford Warbler – 1 on Wingletang St. Agnes on the 18th.
Yellow-browed Warbler – Present every day with up to 18 around the islands midweek, dropping to 10 by the 21st.
Radde’s Warbler – 1 on Tresco on the 17th and 1 at Porth Hellick on the 19th.
Siberian Chiffchaff – 2 birds, 1 at Higher Moors and 1 at Lower Moors on and off throughout the week.
Firecrest – Present on all islands throughout with a count of 20 on the 18th.
Red-breasted Flycatcher – An adult male at Newford Duck Pond from the 17th to the 19th, 1 in Carreg Dhu Gardens from the 19th to the 21st and 1 in Lower Moors on the 19th& 20th
Penduline Tit – 1 briefly at Lower Moors on the 16th & the 21st.
Woodchat Shrike – The long-staying juvenile in the Pelistry/Carn Vean was last seen on the 19th.
Rosy Starling – A juvenile on St. Agnes/Gugh all week.
Serin – 1 on Peninnis on the 19th.
Siskin – Still about in large numbers.
Blackpoll Warbler – The Garrison bird was last seen on the 20th, the bird in the Porth Hellick/Higher Moors area was still present on the 21st.
Lapland Bunting – 1 on St. Martin’s on the 15th , 1 on the Airfield form the 15th to the 20th, 1 at Telegraph on the 15th & 17th and 2 on Bryher & 1 on Peninnis on the 18th.
Snow Bunting – the only one of the autumn at Telegraph on the 15th.
Yellowhammer – 1 of this Scilly rarity was seen on the Garrison on the 18th.
Rustic Bunting – The bird seen in the Telegraph/Pungies Lane area on the 14th was seen again on the morning of the 15th.
Little Bunting – 1 on St. Mary’s near the incinerator from 15th to the 17th then there again on the evening of the 19th. 1 on Peninnis on the 16th & the 18th.
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8th to 14th October
As well as the more common migrants the highlights of the week by species extracted from the log are listed below:
Red-throated Diver – 1 at sea on the 11th.
Black-throated Diver – Adult/1st summer at sea on the 12th.
Great northern Diver – 2 birds around the islands, an adult in summer plumage and another in winter plumage throughout.
Little Grebe – 2 birds on the Great Pool, Tresco throughout, 3 on the 11th.
Balearic Shearwater – One from the Scillonian on the 9th.
Little Egret – Present throughout, with a maxima of 35 on the Great Pool, Tresco on the 13th.
Spoonbill – 1 reported flying from Tresco to Bryher on the 7th.
Marsh Harrier 1 female present all week.
Osprey – The juvenile all week.
Hobby – Present all week.
Corn Crake – 1 at Carn Friars on the 14th.
Dotterel -1 on Tresco until the 10th.
American Golden Plover – 1 on Bryher on the 10th.
Pectoral Sandpiper -1 on Tresco until the 10th.
Ruff – 2 on Tresco throughout.
Jack Snipe- 4 to 5 birds around the islands all week.
Woodcock – 1 Sunnyside & 1 on the Garrison on the 10th and single birds on St. Agnes and at Newford Duck Pond on the 12th.
Mediterranean Gull – 2 to 3 birds on St. Mary’s until the 10th and on the 13th.
Little Gull 1 on a pelagic on the 11th.
Turtle Dove – 1 on St. Martin’s on the 9th, 1 on Gugh on the 10th, 1 0n Bryher on 12th & 13th and one on Gugh again on the 14th.
Long-eared Owl – 1 at Sage House on the evening of the 12th.
Short-eared Owl – 1 in Hugh Town and 1 on St. Agnes on the 11th, on Bryher on the 12th & 13th and one again on St. Agnes on the 14th.
Wryneck – 1 on St. Martin’s on the 8th, 1 on St. Agnes on the 9th & 10th, 1 on Bryher on the 13th and on Rosevear on the 14th.
Short-toed Lark – 1 on Peninnis on the 12th moving to the Airfield on the 13th & 14th.
Richard’s Pipit 1 on St. Agnes on the 11th.
Red-throated Pipit 1 over Longstone on the 12th, 1 over St. Agnes on the 13th & on over Lower Moors on the 14th.
Grey-cheeked Thrush – 1 very elusive individual on Porthloo Lane on the 12th to 14th at least.
Mistle Thrush – A noticeable influx with 29 seen on the 14th,including an amazing 21 together on Tresco.
Blyth’s Reed Warbler – 1 on Bryher from the 12th to the 14th at least.
Barred Warbler – 1 in Gardens below Buzza Tower on the 8th to the 10th.
Yellow-browed Warbler – Present in the low teens every day with up to 17 around the islands midweek.
Radde’s Warbler – 1 on St. Agnes on the 11th and 1 on Rosevear on the 14th.
Siberian Chiffchaff – 1 Higher Moors on the 10th & 13th.
Firecrest – Present throughout with 16 on the 12th.
Red-breasted Flycatcher – 1 on the Garrison on the 8th, 1 in the Lunnon/Carn Friars area from the 9th to the 11th and 1 on Bryher on the 13th.
Penduline Tit – 1 briefly at Lower Moors on the mornings of the 12th & 14th and it or another heard calling on Tresco on the 14th.
Woodchat Shrike – A juvenile remaining in the Pelistry/Carn Vean area all week.
Rosy Starling – A juvenile on St. Agnes on the 14th.
Siskin – A huge influx from 11th onwards with “Thousands” on the 12th.
Common Rosefinch – 1 on St. Agnes from the 9th to the 11th.
Blackpoll Warbler – 1 on the Garrison from the 9th to the 14th at least, another in the Porth Hellick/Higher Moors area from the 9th to the 14th at least. A possible 3rd bird was reported on St. Agnes on the 9th.
Lapland Bunting – 1 on St. Agnes on the 8th, 2 on St, Agnes, 1 on St. Martin’s & 1 on Tresco on the 9th, 2 on St. Agnes on the 11th, 1 on Peninnis on the 12th, 1 on Bryher & 1 on St. Agnes on the 13th and 14th.
Rustic Bunting – 1 in the Telegraph/Pungies Lane area on the 14th.
Little Bunting – 1 on Tresco and 1 on St. Agnes on the 12th.
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1st to 7th October
There is now only 1 Marsh Harriers about (the female) and the Mediterranean Gulls are still present. The long staying Osprey was joined on the islands by another on the 7th. Yellow-browed Warblers & Firecrests are increasing in numbers, the usual autumn migrants (Flycatchers, Whinchats, Wheatears, Wagtails, Warblers, Ring Ouzels & Waders etc.) are passing through in small numbers. Little Egret counts are in the thirties. The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was on Simpson’s Field throughout the week. A juvenile Hobby was on St. Mary’s throughout. 2 Little Grebes (a scarce species on Scilly) were on the Great Pool, Tresco, dropping to 1 on the by the 5th. Merlins were seen daily around the islands.
Other highlights by date were:
1st The American Buff-bellied Pipit was still at Carn Friars and a second bird was seen briefly on Tresco. There were 3 Lapland Buntings on Bryher, 2 on Peninnis and 1 on Gugh. The Jack Snipe count was 3 on Tresco, 3 at Porth Hellick & 2 at Lower Moors. Wrynecks were seen in Holy Vale and on Bryher and a Turtle Dove was at Old Town.
2 Little Stint were on Porthloo Beach and 2 Curlew Sandpipers were on St. Agnes, where there was an all too brief Aquatic Warbler. A Short-eared Owl was on Bryher.
2nd The 2 American Buff-bellied Pipits were still seen for their last day with 1 at Carn Friars & 1 at Pentle Bay, Tresco. The 3 Jack Snipe were still on Porth Hellick & 4 were seen on Tresco. The 2 Lapland Buntings were still on Peninnis and another was on St. Agnes. 3 Curlew Sandpipers were on Tresco & 2 were on St. Agnes. A Wryneck was at Old Town, a Red-backed Shrike was on Bryher and a Red-breasted Flycatcher was on St. Agnes. A Short-eared Owl was on Tresco. The St. Mary’s to Penzance Scillonian crossing produced 4 Sabine’s Gulls, 8 Great Skuas, 5 Arctic Terns, a Sooty Shearwater & 3 Killer Whales.
3rd The only new birds reported on land were a Common Rosefinch at Carn friars and a Red-throated Pipit on the golf Course. The daytime pelagic trip proved to be one of the best of the year with a Balearic & 5 Sooty Shearwaters, a European Storm-Petrel, a second winter Little Gull and amazing counts of 40+ Great Skuas & 21 Sabine’s Gulls, including 8 juveniles.
4th 2 new Red-breasted Flycatchers were seen 1 on the Garrison and 1 (a different bird to the one on the 2nd) on St. Agnes. A Black Redstart was on Bryher, an Arctic Skua was southeast of Samson and a Wryneck was on St. Agnes. Jack Snipe were down to 1 on Porth Hellick & 3 on Tresco, where there were also 2 Ruff. 1 Lapland Bunting was still on Peninnis and a Short-eared Owl was seen on St. Martin’s and in the Giant’s Castle/Porth Hellick area. A Little Stint was on Porthloo beach and 2 Curlew Sandpipers were still on St. Agnes. A Woodchat Shrike was at Carn Vean until the 7th at least, a Richard’s Pipit was on Tresco & a first winter Ring –necked Duck spent the afternoon on Porthloo duck Pond before flying to Porth Hellick and then out to sea.
A short-range ‘ Seabird Special’ saw 2 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Great Skuas, an Arctic Skua, a Grey Phalarope and 30 Common Dolphin. A ‘few’ Siskin were reported.
5th The first Brambling of the autumn were seen at Trenoweth, where there were also 2 Redwing & 2 Siskin. 2 Jack Snipe were on Lower Moors and 1 at Porth Hellick. 3 Lapland Buntings were on St. Agnes & the 2 Curlew Sandpipers were still on Tresco. A Purple Sandpiper, now much scarcer on Scilly.
6th A Dotterel & Quail were found on Castle Down, Tresco. Also on Tresco were 2 Jack Snipe & 2 Ruff. A Jack Snipe was also at Porth Hellick. On St. Agnes birders logged 3 Lapland Buntings, a Yellow-legged Gull, Curlew Sandpiper, a Jack Snipe & a Common Rosefinch. The morning Scillonian trip from Penzance to St. Mary’s produced a Grey Phalarope & a juvenile Black Tern. A Jackdaw, another scarce bird on Scilly, was seen flying over Longstone. Following last autumn’s mini-influx, a Long-tailed Blue was seen at Porth Mellon.
7th 2 Red-backed Shrikes were seen, 1 on Lower Moors & 1 on Peninnis. The Dotterel was still on Tresco and from timings of observations it seems as if there were now 2 Ospreys on the islands. The ‘twos’ continued with 2 Barred Warblers, I in gardens below Buzza Hill & 1 on St. Agnes. The Common Rosefinch was still on St. Agnes. A Short-eared Owl was at Telegraph and a Black Redstart was seen on the roof of a house at MacFarland’s.
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24th to 30th September
The Marsh Harriers are still about and the Mediterranean Gulls are still present. The juvenile Spotted Sandpiper at Porth Hellick Pool was last seen on the 26th and the juvenile Osprey was present until the 29th at least. Autumn migrants are still passing through and the first Yellow-browed Warblers & Redwings of the autumn were seen. The Citrine Wagtail was on Tresco until the 25th and the Woodchat Shrike was on St. Martin’s until the 24th.
Other highlights by date were:
24th On St.. Mary’s a Little Tern was off Morning Point and on St. Agnes Knot, Curlew & Pectoral Sandpipers, Arctic Tern & Redpoll were seen. Another Pectoral Sandpiper was on Tresco, where there was also a Lapland Bunting & a Merlin. There was a Wryneck on Bryher.
25th On St. Mary’s the find of the week was an American Buff-bellied Pipit at Carn Friars. The supporting cast included: a Barred Warbler, also at Carn Friars, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper over the Garrison and St. Agnes and eventually settling in the evening on the Airfield, 4 Little Stints on Porth Hellick Beach. a Red-backed Shrike at Watermill and 2 Arctic Terns in Porthcressa Bay. Away from St. Mary’s, St. Agnes hosted a Wryneck, a Curlew Sandpiper a Pied Flycatcher & a Redstart. A Long-eared Owl was seen on Tresco where a Sabine’s Gull, a Sooty & 16 Manx Shearwaters flew past Piper’s Hole. Possibly the same Sabine’s Gull was seen in The Roads, between St. Agnes & St. Mary’s. The Wryneck was still on Bryher.
26th The American Buff-bellied Pipit & the Barred Warbler were both still at Carn Friars. A Wryneck was on the Garrison and the Pectoral Sandpiper was still on Tresco.
27th There was an unbelievable start to the day when a second American Buff-bellied Pipit joined the first bird before flying off and was possibly seen later that day on Tresco. A Red-backed Shrike was near Juliet’s Garden and a Pectoral Sandpiper and a Spotted Crake were on Tresco. An Arctic Tern was flying about St. Mary’s harbour and 2 Lapland Bunting were on St. Martin’s. On St. Agnes 3 species of Sylvia warbler were seen, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat & Lesser Whitethroat. A pelagic trip logged 3 Grey Phalarope, 5 Great, a Pomarine. 2 Long-tailed & 2 Arctic Skuas a Common Scoter, 10 European Storm-Petrels, 10 Arctic Terns, 2 Sooty & 3 Manx Shearwaters.
28th On St. Mary’s easterly winds brought the first Redwings & Yellow-browed Warblers of the autumn with individuals been seen at Carn Friars, Four Lanes and near Juliet’s Garden. A Red-Backed Shrike was also near Juliet’s Garden, Redstarts were in Star Castle Garden and on Peninnis, the American Buff-bellied Pipit was still at Carn Friars, and a juvenile Sabine’s Gull flew close inshore past Watermill Cove. A Wryneck & a Skylark were seen on Bryher and a Hen Harrier on Samson. On St. Agnes there were a Spotted & 2 Pied Flycatchers, a Whinchat, a Yellow Wagtail, a Lapland Bunting and a Richard’s Pipit. Present on Tresco were a Little Grebe, the Pectoral Sandpiper, a Jack Snipe, a Knot & a Redstart. On St. Martin’s a Grey Phalarope, a Redpoll & a Lapland Bunting were seen.
29th On the Scillonian crossing from Penzance to St. Mary’s a Sooty & 2 Balearic Shearwaters, a Grey Phalarope and a European Storm-Petrel were seen, a female Ring Ouzel flew from the boat towards St. Mary’s Airfield. The return crossing produced a Balearic Shearwater, 3 Great Skuas, 50 Common & 20 Risso’s Dolphins. A pelagic trip logged 2 Sooty Shearwaters, a Sabine’s Gull and 2 late Puffins.
On St . Mary’s the American Buff-bellied Pipit was still at Carn Friars, a Redstart was in a garden on High Lane, an Arctic Tern was in Porthcressa Bay, a Jack Snipe was at Porth Hellick, a Richard’s Pipit flew over Juliet’s Garden and a Melodious Warbler was on the Garrison. Single Yellow-browed Warblers were seen at Carn Friars & on the Garrison. A Merlin & 3 Lapland Buntings were seen on St. Martin’s. A Whinchat & Golden Plover were on Bryher. A Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper & a Pied Flycatcher were on St. Agnes and a Siskin was on Gugh.
30th On St. Mary’s the American Buff-bellied Pipit was still at Carn Friars, a Ruff & a Little Stint were on Porthloo Beach, the Jack Snipe was still at Porth Hellick, a Black Redstart was near Porthloo, a Firecrest was on Peninnis & 2 Lapland Bunting’s were on the coastal path near Giants’ Castle.
The Pectoral Sandpiper was still on Tresco where there was also a Merlin, a Ruff, a Little Stint & a Spotted Crake.
2 Firecrest and a Yellow-browed were on St. Agnes.
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17th to 23rd September
The Marsh Harriers are still about, with Little Egrets numbering about 30 and the Mediterranean Gulls are still present. The juvenile Spotted Sandpiper at Porth Hellick Pool was still there on the 23rd. The juvenile Osprey was present until the 19th. The usual autumn migrants are still passing through but in lower numbers than last week, with very few warblers being seen. The Citrine Wagtail was on Tresco until the 22nd at least and the Woodchat Shrike was on St. Martin’s until at least the 21st. Water Rails are now being seen more frequently.
Other highlights by date were:
17th On St.. Mary’s there were now 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers on the Golf Course, nearby a Wryneck near Bishop’s View, a Common Rosefinch was seen on Peninnis and a Pectoral Sandpiper was found at Lower Moors. Single Curlew Sandpipers were on Tresco & St. Martin’s. Merlins were seen on St. Martin’s and at Telegraph. A pelagic trip logged a Balearic & a Sooty Shearwater, 50 Common Dolphins and a Blue Shark.
18th The Pectoral Sandpiper was still at Lower Moors and the 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers commuted between the airfield and the Golf Course. The Wryneck was seen on the Golf Club Wall and on Bryher a Red-backed Shrike & a Lapland Bunting were seen.
19th The Pectoral Sandpiper moved to Porth Hellick where it was killed by a Peregrine. The 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still on the Golf Course. An unusual sighting was a Manx Shearwater settled on the sea in St. Mary’s Harbour.
20th Another Pectoral Sandpiper was found on Porth Hellick beach and there was now only 1 Buff-breasted Sandpiper on the Golf Course. The Red-backed Shrike was seen again on Bryher and an Ortolan Bunting & a Common Rosefinch were on St. Agnes. A female Pintail was on the Great Pool, Tresco and a Turtle Dove was at Porthloo Farm.
21st The Pectoral Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick. The Red-backed Shrike was still on Bryher, where there was also a Common Rosefinch & 2 Lapland Buntings. There was a small fall of Wheatears, with 35 being seen at Giant’s Castle in the early evening.
22nd The Pectoral Sandpiper mover to Tresco and it or another was seen briefly in the evening on St. Agnes. Wrynecks were seen at Buzza Tower, St. Mary’s and on Wingletang, St. Agnes. 2 Little Grebes (uncommon on Scilly) were on the Great Pool, Tresco.
23rd A Merlin flew over the Golf Course and the first Black Redstart of the autumn was on Porthloo beach. 2 Lapland Buntings were on St. Martin’s and 2 Grey Phalaropes were seen off Shipman Head, Bryher.
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6th to 16th September
The Marsh Harriers are still about, Little Egrets numbers are still increasing and there are still at least 3 Mediterranean Gulls present. The juvenile Spotted Sandpiper at Porth Hellick Pool was still there on the 16th. The juvenile Osprey is now into its third week. The usual autumn migrants, (passerine and none passerine) are still passing through, with more Yellow Wagtails than is usual for Scilly.
Highlights by date were:
6th A juvenile Woodchat Shrike was found on St. Martin’s, the Spotted Sandpiper was at Porth Hellick and the Osprey was on Tresco.
7th Hobbies were seen on Tresco and on St. Mary’s, over Porth Hellick & Juliet’s Garden. The Osprey was on Tresco & St. Mary’s, the Spotted Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick and the Woodchat was still on St. Martin’s.
8th The Osprey visited 3 islands – St. Mary’s, Tresco & Bryher, the Spotted Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick and the Woodchat was still on St. Martin’s. A Pomarine Skua was seen from the Scillonian on the crossing from Penzance to St. Mary’s.
9th The Spotted Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick, the Osprey was on Tresco, a Wryneck was on Bryher and the first Firecrest of the autumn was seen on St. Mary’s Golf Course.
10th The Spotted Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick and a Short-toed Lark was discovered on St. Agnes where an American Golden Plover put in an all too brief appearance. On St. Mary’s the Osprey flew over Porth Mellon and a Wood Warbler was seen along Watermill Lane. The Wryneck was still on Bryher and the Woodchat remained on St. Martin’s. A Common Buzzard was on Tresco, where there was also a report of a male Goshawk which if accepted would be only the 5th record for Scilly!
11th The Short-toed Lark was still on St. Agnes and the Spotted Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick. The Osprey was seen over Bryher and Tresco, from where there was a report of a Red-throated Pipit flying over Gimble Porth.
12th The Short-toed Lark was still on St. Agnes. On St. Mary’s the Spotted Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick accompanied by a Wood Sandpiper, a Merlin flew over the Airfield and a Red-backed Shrike was at Higher Moors. Hobbies were seen over Longstone & Tresco and 2 Balearic Shearwaters were seen on the pelagic trip.
13th The Short-toed Lark on St. Agnes, the Spotted Sandpiper at Porth Hellick, the Red-backed Shrike at Higher Moors and the peripatetic Osprey were all still present. A Turtle Dove was at Porthlow Farm and a Hobby was on St. Mary’s. The Red-throated Pipit was reported from Gimble Porth again.
14th A Wood Warbler was seen again along Watermill Lane and the Osprey & the Spotted Sandpiper were still around. An Ortolan Bunting was on Tresco and a Lapland Bunting was seen on Bryher. A Nightingale was singing in Lower Moors.
15th The Osprey & the Spotted Sandpiper were both seen again and a Merlin was seen on St. Mary’s. 2 Great Shearwaters were logged on the return crossing of the Scillonian. The Ortolan was still on Tresco, where there was also an Icterine Warbler. One visiting birder came up trumps when he found a Buff-breasted Sandpiper on St. Mary’s Golf Course and a first winter Citrine Wagtail at Carn Friars.
16th The Osprey & the Spotted Sandpiper extended their stay and the Buff-breasted Sandpiper was still on the Golf course. A Little Grebe was on Porth Hellick Pool, a Common Rosefinch was at Mount Todden, St. Mary’s and Wrynecks were seen near Buzza Tower & on St. Martin’s. The Citrine Wagtail showed its sporting interest when it visited St. Martin’s cricket ground in the morning and Tresco cricket ground in the afternoon.
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29th August to 5th September
The Marsh Harriers are still about and Little Egrets numbers continue to increase and there are still at least 2 Mediterranean Gulls present. The pelagic trips are now generally quiet but a late Wilson’s Storm-Petrel was seen on the 3rd and a Grey Phalarope on the 4th. The usual scarce autumn migrants are now being seen, with Melodious Warbler, Ortolan Bunting & Wryneck all being reported. A juvenile Spotted Sandpiper was identified from a photograph on the 6th and it transpired it had been present at Porth Hellick Pool since the 30th. A Great White Egret was seen flying over Gugh on the 4th and was then seen at dusk on Simpson’s Field, Tresco on the 4th & 5th. The juvenile Osprey toured the islands all week. Willow Warbler, Wheatear, Whinchat, White & Yellow Wagtail were seen in reasonable numbers, along with smaller numbers of Whitethroat, Spotted & Pied Flycatcher. A good selection of waders was seen in the usual places ( Porth Hellick, Great Pool Tresco, St. Agnes, Samson & St. Martin’s Flats, etc.) and included Common & Green Sandpiper, Curlew, Whimbrel, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin, Ruff, Golden Plover, Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher.
On the 29th a Melodious Warbler was seen near Longstone, a Wryneck was on Samson, 36 Little Egret were on Simpson’s Field, Tresco and an adult Long-tailed Skua was seen from the Scillonian crossing.
On the 30th a trip to Tresco produced a Little Stint, a Wryneck and a Buzzard. On St. Mary’s the Melodious Warbler was seen again, this time at Higher Moors and Hobby was seen at Lower Moors and Porth Hellick. Also at Porth Hellick were a Water Rail & a Sparrowhawk. A Kingfisher was at Porth Cressa.
On the 31st a dark phase Arctic Skua was chasing terns off St. Martin’s. On the evening pelagic trip another dark phase Arctic Skua, a Great Skua & 10 European Storm-Petrels were seen.
On the 1st a Wryneck was on the roof of the New Inn, Tresco. On St. Mary’s 5 species of raptor were seen over Higher Moors: a Hobby, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk, an Osprey & a Marsh Harrier and an Ortolan Bunting was seen on Peninnis. The evening pelagic trip produced only 10 European Storm-Petrels & 3 Manx Shearwaters, but as compensation 2 Blue Sharks were tagged and 50 Common Dolphins put on an excellent display for those on board.
On the 2nd a dark phase Arctic Skua was south of Samson, the Ortolan Bunting was still on Peninnis and the Kingfisher was still at Porth Cressa.
On the 3rd Kingfishers were at Porth Hellick & Porth Cressa, the Buzzard was still on Tresco and a dark phase Arctic Skua was in the Roads. The evening pelagic produced 15 European Storm-Petrels, 2 Arctic Skuas and a late Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, bringing the total for the year to 43.
On the 4th a Great White Egret was seen flying over Gugh and the was seen with Little Egrets at dusk on Simpson’s Field. A Hobby was over Porth Hellick and a Kingfisher was on Peninnis. The evening pelagic logged an Arctic & 2 Great Skuas, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, and the first Grey Phalarope of the autumn, a Minke Whale was also seen on this trip.
On the 5th a photograph of a sandpiper at Porth Hellick, taken earlier in the week was downloaded and it was identified as a juvenile Spotted Sandpiper and it would seem it had been there since at least the 30th. A Hobby was at Lower Moors, the Spotted Sandpiper & 3 Water Rail were at Porth Hellick and a Garden Warbler was on Peninnis. Frustratingly the Great White Egret was seen again at dusk on Simpson’s Field, Tresco, after several St. Mary’s birders, who has spent all day looking for it, had left.
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20th to 28th August
The Marsh Harriers and Little Egrets numbers are increasing and returning waders are still around. There are at least 2 Mediterranean Gulls are still present, commuting between St. Mary’s & Tresco. The pelagic trips are now proving less productive for birds but Wilson’s Storm-Petrels are still being seen, both Blue and Porbeagle Sharks are being tagged more frequently and common Dolphin were seen every trip. A probable Semi-palmated Sandpiper was reported at Simpson’s Field, Tresco on the 27th. A few early migrants (especially Wheatear) are starting to pass through.
On the 20th a Common Sandpiper was at Porth Hellick and a Knot & a Black-tailed Godwit were on Tresco.
On the 21st single Spotted Flycatchers were on Bryher and in Old Town Churchyard.
On the 22nd an excursion to Bryher produced 2 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Tree Pipit & 11 Wheatear. The Spotted Flycatcher was still in Old town Churchyard and Common Sandpipers were at Porthlow and Porth Hellick.
On the 23rd seen on St. Agnes were a Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel, 5 Dunlin & a Spotted Flycatcher. 4 Willow Warblers were seen on St. Martin’s and the evening pelagic trip logged 20 European Storm-Petrels & an Arctic Skua.
On the 24th the first Wryneck of the autumn was recorded on Bryher, also there were 2 Spotted Flycatchers & a Wheatear. On St. Mary’s a Whimbrel was on Porth Cressa beach, a Common Sandpiper & a Snipe were at Porth Hellick, another Snipe was seen on the Garrison and 2 Greenshank, a Hobby & a Yellow Wagtail were all at Lower Moors. On Tresco there were 28 Dunlin, 14 Greenshank, a White Wagtail, a Tree Pipit and a Grasshopper Warbler. On St. Martins 53 Sandwich Tern were counted and 4 Migrant Hawker & an Emperor Dragonfly were seen. The evening pelagic logged 25 European & 2 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, a Balearic & 6 Manx Shearwaters and an Arctic Tern.
On the 25th a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper & a Snipe were at Porth Hellick, a White Wagtail & a Willow Warbler were on the Garrison, 3 Greenshank were at Lower Moors and a Spotted Flycatcher was at Telegraph. The evening pelagic recorded just 3 European Storm-Petrels in very foggy conditions but a Blue
Shark & a 110lb Porbeagle were tagged.
On the 26th 48 Sandwich Terns were in Porth Cressa, 3 Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, a Greenshank & a Snipe were at Porth Hellick, and several Wheatears & a Tree Pipit were on the Airfield. 2 Greenshank & a Bar-tailed Godwit were near Samson and there were 8 Little Egret on Tean & 11 on Tresco. On the evening pelagic, 2 Porbeagle, a Wilson’s & 30 European Storm-Petrels were seen.
On the 27th at Porth Hellick there was a Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank, 6 Sand Martin & a juvenile Osprey and on the Airfield a Whinchat & about 20 Wheatear were seen. A Wryneck was flushed at Parting Carn. On St. Agnes there were 6 Whimbrel & a Pied Flycatcher and on Tresco there were 7 Common Teal, a Green & Common Sandpiper, a Snipe , a Sand Martin, a Yellow Wagtail and a probable Semi-palmated Sandpiper. 17 Little Egret were in Tresco Channel.
On the 28th the Osprey spent the morning at Porth Hellick before flying to Tresco and then back around St. Mary’s. A Snipe, 10 Dunlin, 11 Greenshank & 2 Redshank were at Porth Hellick, a Whimbrel was at Watermill Cove and a Nightingale was at Parting Carn. On Tresco there was a Little Stint, a Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank, a Redshank, a Water Rail & a Grasshopper Warbler. 4 Whinchat were on Bryher and on St. Agnes a Reed Warbler & 2 Knot were seen.
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14th to 19th August
The Marsh Harriers and Little Egrets are still present and returning waders and Swifts are still passing through. The numbers of Black-headed Gulls are still increasing and Mediterranean Gulls are now up to 3 (an adult, a 2nd summer & a juvenile). On the pelagic trips Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, Great & Long-tailed Skuas, Sooty & Great Shearwaters have all been seen. A Semi-palmated Sandpiper was present from the 15th to the 17th.
On the 14th at Porth Hellick a Wood Sandpiper, a Ruff 11 Greenshank 2 Redshank, a Common Sandpiper & 2 Teal.
On the 15th The morning crossing on the Scillonian from Penzance to Scilly logged 3 Great Shearwaters & 3 large unidentified Shearwaters. At Pentle Bay, Tresco 3 Mediterranean Gulls were seen, an adult, a 2nd summer & a juvenile. The Wood Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick, where a Semi-palmated Sandpiper was found that evening.
On the 16th at Porth Hellick the Semi-palmated Sandpiper was still present, also seen there were 12 Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, a Redshank, 2 Swift & a juvenile Water Rail. The evening pelagic trip produced a 2 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, a Great & 10 Manx Shearwaters, 50 European Storm-Petrels, an Ocean Sunfish and 20 Common Dolphins.
On the 17th the Semi-palmated Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick along with 12 Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, 4 Teal & a Kingfisher, also in the area were 2 Redstart & a Swift. The first day of the Celtic Bird Tours (CBT) pelagic trips produced a Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, a Great & a Sooty Shearwater, 2 Great Skuas, 200+ European Storm-Petrels and an Ocean Sunfish.
On the 18th 2nd CBT pelagic trip produced 6 Wilson’s & 400 European Storm-Petrels 2 Manx, 4 Great & 6 Sooty Shearwaters, 4 Great Skuas, 2 Arctic Terns and for some the highlight of the CBT weekend, 2 Long-tailed Skuas ( an adult & a 3rd summer) lingering around the boat. Also on this trip 20 Common Dolphins were seen and a Blue Shark was caught, tagged and released. The Semi-palmated Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick.
On the 19th 3rd and final CBT pelagic trip produced 3 Wilson’s & 50 European Storm-Petrels, 3 Sooty & 4 Manx Shearwaters, a Great Skua, 2 Harbour Porpoise and about 25 Common Dolphins. A land-based birder on Tresco logged an Arctic Tern, a Knot & a Black-tailed Godwit.
The totals for the CBT pelagic weekend were : 10 Wilson’s & 700 European Storm-Petrels, 11 Sooty, 6 Manx & 5 Great Shearwaters, 8 Great & 2 Long-tailed Skuas, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Arctic Terns, 6 Harbour Porpoise, 50 Common Dolphins, an Ocean Sunfish and a Blue Shark. As a bonus the group managed to see Semi-palmated Sandpiper at Porth Hellick.
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6th to 13th August
The Marsh Harriers and Little Egrets are still present and returning waders and Swifts are still passing through. The numbers of Black-headed Gulls are increasing and the two Mediterranean Gulls (an adult & a juvenile) are still around. On the pelagic trips Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, Arctic & Great Skuas, Sooty & Great Shearwaters have all been seen. A Spotted Crake was seen on the 9th.
On the 6th at Porth Hellick there were 10 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank & 2 Kingfishers. There is a noticeable build up of Grey Heron with 2 at Porth Hellick, 8 on Puffin Island & 23 on Tresco, also on there was a Buzzard and 3 Common Sandpipers. 3 Wheatears were seen on Bryher. The evening pelagic trip produced 3 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, 2 Sooty & 5 Manx Shearwaters & 45 European Storm-Petrels.
On the 7th a ring-tailed Harrier was seen flying over the airfield and Porth Hellick. The usual waders and a Kingfisher were at Porth Hellick, a Hobby flew over Porthloo and a Whimbrel, 4 Willow Warblers & 2 Wheatears were on St. Agnes.
On the 8th the wader collection at Porth Hellick was joined by a Wood Sandpiper. The evening pelagic trip produced a Sooty Shearwaters & 80 European Storm-Petrels.
On the 9th a Spotted Crake was seen briefly at Porth Hellick, where the Wood Sandpiper was still present, remaining until the 13th at least. The evening pelagic trip produced a dark phase Arctic Skua, 3 Arctic Terns, 35 European & 2 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels. Also on this trip several Common Dolphin were seen and a Blue Shark & a Porbeagle were caught, tagged and released.
On the 10th there was afresh juvenile Water Rail as well as the small wader flock. A trip to St. Martin’s logged 1 Whimbrel, 57 Sanderling, a Wheatear & 30+ Common Terns. The evening pelagic trip produced an Arctic Tern, a Great Skua, a Wilson’s & 40 European Storm-Petrels.
On the 11th a Lapwing visited Porth Hellick and a adult Little Tern was seen between St. Martin’s Flats and Tresco. A juvenile Puffin was seen in The Roads. The evening pelagic trip produced another dark phase Arctic Skua, 4 Great Skuas & 40 European Storm-Petrels. On the fish front a Blue Shark was tagged and Trigger Fish was seen.
On the 12th as well as the usual waders already mentioned, there were 2 Bar-tailed Godwits near Samson, 4 Whimbrel on Tresco and 1 near Samson. 18 Little Egrets were counted in the vicinity of Samson.
On the 13th the selection of waders at Porth Hellick increased by one with the arrival of a Ruff. A 100+ Sandwich Terns were off Morning Point and a Common Whitethroat was at Telegraph. On Tresco a Kingfisher & White Wagtail were seen. The evening pelagic trip recorded a Great Skua, a Great, a Sooty Shearwater & 2 Manx Shearwaters, a Wilson’s & 100+ European Storm-Petrels, a Sunfish & 12 Common Dolphins.
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30th July to 5th August
The Marsh Harriers and Little Egrets are still present and returning waders and Swifts are starting to pass through. The first Mediterranean Gulls of the autumn were noted. On the pelagic trips Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, Great Skuas, Sooty & Great Shearwaters have been seen. A Black Kite was seen on Monday.
On the 30th a Black Kite was reported over Samson and later seen from St. Agnes. On Tresco there were 3 Sand Martins, a Kingfisher, 4 Redshank & 2 common Sandpipers. On St. Mary’s 4 Sandwich Terns were seen from the quay, a Green Sandpiper & 8 Greenshank were at Porth Hellick, a Hobby, a Peregrine & a Wheatear were near Giant’s Castle and 70+ Swift were over Telegraph. The evening pelagic trip was very quiet, with just 10 European Storm-Petrels and a Great Skua.
On the 31st on St. Mary’s a Long-eared Owl was seen in the early morning, flying out of the garden of Mount Pleasant, on Telegraph Road and 9 Greenshank & 2 Redshank were at Porth Hellick. On St. Agnes there were 4 Common & 1 Green Sandpiper and a Lapwing. The evening pelagic trip logged a Wilson’s & 25 European Storm-Petrels and a Great Skua. Puffins are now leaving the islands with only 1 near Mincarlo and 3 near Annet.
On the 1st a trip to Bryher recorded 6 Willow Warblers, 4 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpipers. Also on Bryher the resident Hooded Crow has paired with a Carrion Crow again, producing several hybrid offspring, one of which superficially resembles its father, apart from some black on the belly and a slightly darker nape. 8 Greenshank & 2 Redshank were on Porth Hellick Pool and a Minke Whale was seen from the Scillonian crossing.
On the 2nd an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Porthloo and the evening pelagic trip produced just 20 European Storm-Petrels.
On the 3rd the adult Mediterranean Gull was still at Porthloo. On the Scillonian crossings a Sooty & 5 Balearic Shearwaters were seen on morning crossing to St. Mary’s and exactly the same line up + a Great Skua were seen on the return crossing to Penzance. 7 Little Egrets, 3 Common & 30+ Sandwich Terns were in Tresco Channel and a Hobby was seen over Lower Moors.
On the 4th the adult Mediterranean Gull was still at Porthloo. 20 Sooty Shearwaters & “100s” of European Storm-Petrels were seen at sea from a local crabbing boat and another Sooty Shearwater was seen from the Scillonian crossing. Sandwich Tern numbers continue to build up, 81 were counted in Porthcressa. The evening pelagic trip logged 2 Wilson’s & 20 European Storm-Petrels.
On the 5th adult Mediterranean Gull was still at Porthloo and a juvenile was at Porthcressa and a selection of the more common waders were seen in small groups across the islands, as were Sandwich Terns. At Porth Hellick a juvenile Hobby and a female Kingfisher were seen. The evening pelagic trip logged 1 Wilson’s & 40 European Storm-Petrels, 1 Great & 10 Manx Shearwaters.
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July 23rd – 29th
The highlight of the week, month and probably the year was the Madeiran Petrel that was seen from the pelagic trip on the Sapphire six miles south of St Mary’s on 28th. The bird was seen on two occasions, each time making a close pass of the boat to the delight of the three local and two visiting birders on board. The first live Madeiran Petrel in Britain had been high on the wish list of many for years so it was dream fulfilled for those on board and to wish they were there for those that weren’t!
Elsewhere on the islands there was confirmation of breeding Wheatear for the first time in some years when two fledged young were seen on St Agnes. The seabirds on the other hand have not done well with no successful Common Terns or Kittiwakes and very limited success in the three larger gulls, although the auk family seemed to have fared a little better.
July 23rd
A very wet day with the only highlight being a group of twelve Swift over Porth Hellick late in the day.
July 24th
The Black-tailed Godwit on St Agnes was the last of a series of records for that island in the last week. The first Kingfisher of the autumn was on Lower Moors along with a Green Sandpiper whilst on St Agnes at least twelve Common Sandpiper were counted in the evening. At sea Cory’s, Balearic and Sooty Shearwater were seen along with at least sixty Storm Petrels.
July 25th
Another Green Sandpiper was noted on St Mary’s on an otherwise quiet day.
July 26th
Apart from a Kestrel at Porth Hellick very little was seen on another wet day.
July 27th
A Balearic Shearwater was seen near Annet along with over one hundred Manx Shearwaters during the day plus three Wilson’s Petrels, two Sabine’s Gulls and a Great Shearwater were noted from this evenings pelagic trip. The first juvenile Cuckoo of the season was near Deep Point today.
July 28th
A quiet day on the land apart from a few more common waders being noted on St Mary’s. However at sea it was a different matter when in rather rough conditions Britain’s first live Madeiran Petrel flew close to the boat not once but twice enabling all on board to get a good view. The Great Shearwater and Blue Fulmar were almost ignored in the aftermath.
July 29th
In the much calmer weather more waders reached the islands with small flocks of Dunlin and Sanderling on Tresco with at least seven Whimbrel nearby. One of the young Marsh Harriers was over the Northern Rocks and two Buzzards were circling over Hugh Town in the early evening. This evenings pelagic trip to the Poll Bank saw a Wilson’s Petrel, Pomarine Skua, Balearic Shearwater and fifty plus Storm Petrels.
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July 15th to 22nd
For the first time in quite a while the was some good weather in the latter half of the week although it has since reverted to wet and windy again. The week saw the departure of the Razorbills and Guillimots with Puffin numbers due to drop this week as they head out to the open sea for the winter. More waders were noted with increasing numbers of Curlew, Sanderling and Turnstones around the coasts with Green Sandpipers being seen most days on the Nature Trails on St Mary’s or on Tresco. The calm weather resulted in Porpoise being seen almost daily with two or three Sunfish and a small group of Pilot Whales also seen from the islands. Late news from last week was of a Wilson’s Petrel seen over the Poll Bank south west of the Bishop on 14th.
15th At least four Wilson’s Petrels were seen on tonights pelagic trip along with several Storm Petrels and a Great Skua.
16th A Lesser Redpol was seen near Pentle House on Tresco and at least 170+ Manx Shearwater were near Annet that evening.
17th Three Black-tailed Godwits flew around the pool on St Agnes whilst on St Mary’s three Common Sandpipers were at Porth Hellick along with three Greenshank and two Redshank. Good numbers of Clouded Yellow Butterfly are being around the coastal fringes and a few Hummingbird Hawk Moths have also been seen.
18th A Wilson’s Petrel and a Great Skua were seen from tonights pelagic trip. On St Mary’s small groups of Swifts and Sand Martin’s were seen over Hugh Town, Old Town and at Porth Hellick.
19th There was an increase in terns today with small groups of Common and Sandwich being seen, in particular near Tresco. More Dunlin were seen along the southern shores of Tresco and the two young Marsh Harriers have moved to Annet.
20th Two Wilson’s Petrels were seen over the Poll bank tonight and nine Little Egrets were on the Tresco roost. The first migrant Willow Warbler was seen on the Garrison this morning.
21st A Wilson’s Petrel was seen six miles south of the islands but the sight of the trip was the Minke Whale seen a mile further south along with 40+ Storm Petrels.
22nd Wader numbers continue to increase with 50+ Sanderling on Tresco this morning along with a few Turnstone and two Whimbrel. Two Puffins were at Men-a-vaur as was one of the Ravens and the two young Marsh Harrier were still on Annet.
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July 9th to July 14th
The Marsh Harriers have fledged two young which can now be seen exploring the islands. Following the recent windy weather the first attempt of the Little Egrets to breed was unsuccessful but they are now trying again. Waders are now returning to the islands with Redshank and Greenshank being seen daily on Tresco and St Mary’s and occasionally on other islands.
9th The Bar-tailed Godwit was again on Green Island near Samson with at least four Whimbrel seen on Tean or Tresco. The Little Egret count has risen to six on Tresco and the long staying Common Buzzard was noted again today. Two Sand Martin and two Swift were over the Great Pool on Tresco.
10th Up to 70+ Manx Shearwater were near Annet this evening but the event of the day was the Leatherbacked Turtle seen near Annet this morning. Its shell was estimated to have been about six feet long.
11th An influx of Sand Martin’s was noted today with twenty plus at Porth Hellick and six on St Agnes.
12th Sixty plus Storm Petrel were seen on tonight’s pelagic trip along with two Bonxies south of St Agnes. The Little Egret count rose to nine on Tresco. At least thirty Common Terns were back in Tresco Channel this afternoon and many were roosting on one of the channel marker buoys at dusk.
13th A very wet day with little bird activity.
14th The two young Marsh Harrier were on Tean today with the female seen over the Great Pool where the Little Egret count was ten. Common Sandpipers were seen on St Martin’s and Porth Hellick and two Swift flew over St Martin’s. Nearly forty Common Terns were displaying to the east of Tresco so maybe there is a late chance of breeding – we will see.
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26th June to 8th July
Very quiet on land but the Marsh Harriers and Little Egrets are breeding again. With the start of the pelagic trips the first Wilson’s Storm-Petrels have been seen.
On the 26th a Wheatear was seen on St. Agnes and may be breeding and 2 Swift seen on Tresco, where they are thought to be nesting on the Abbey. A Golden Plover was also on St. Agnes.
On the 27th nothing avian was reported but on Lepidoptera front several Clouded Yellows were reported as were a Painted Lady & Hummingbird Hawk-moth on St. Agnes.
On the 28th the long time resident Hooded Crow was seen again on Bryher and a Sandwich Tern was on Samson.
On the 29th a Common Tern was on St. Mary’s & 2 were on St. Martin’s, a lot fewer than usual are around, probably because the poor weather has led to nesting failure. On the evening pelagic trip the first Blue Shark of the year was caught, tagged & released. Also 20 European Storm-Petrels & 20 Manx Shearwater were logged. In June last year 18 Wilson’s were seen, but none in June 2007!
On the 30th Rain, rain & more rain! Nothing reported.
On the 1st 3 Tufted Duck, a Redshank & a Pied Wagtail were on Porth Hellick Pool, 3 Blackcap wee in Lower Moors and 20+ Curlew were on Tresco.
On the 2nd a trip to Tresco logged 2 Little Egret, 3 Blackcap, the pair of Marsh Harriers, 3 Swift, a Pied Wagtail, a White Wagtail & 6 Sandwich Terns.
On the 3rd a Sandwich Tern flew over Holgate’s Green and 2 were in Porthcressa Bay, the Redshank was still at Porth Hellick, 5 Wheatear were on St. Agnes and a pair of Meadow Pipits were found to be breeding on Peninnis.
On the 4th 40 Cory’s flew past Peninnis between noon and 2 p.m. also seen was a Sooty Shearwater. The Scillonian crossing logged 4 Cory’s, a Balearic, 2 Sooty & 100 Manx Shearwaters.
On the 5th the only reports were of a Tufted Duck at Porth Hellick and 3 Sandwich Terns in Pentle Bay, Tresco.
On the 6th 5 Little Egret were seen in Tresco Channel and 2 Tufted Duck were on Porth Hellick Pool. The evening pelagic trip recorded 100+ European Storm-Petrels and the first Great Skua & 3 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels of the year.
On the 7th there was a small movement of Swifts, with 9 on St. Martin’s, 6 at Porth Hellick and 1 on the Garrison. The 2 Tufted Duck & the Redshank were still at Porth Hellick. 100 Curlew were on St. Helen’s and the evening pelagic trip logged only 10 to 20 European Storm-Petrels.
On the 8th a Bar-tailed Godwit & 6 Sandwich Tern were near Samson and on Tresco were 4 Sand Martin, 2 Swift, 8 Tufted Duck, a Dunlin, 2 Redshank and 3 Greenshank, a Greenshank was also at Porth Hellick. The evening pelagic trip logged about 150 European Storm-Petrels & a Great Skua.
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20th to 25th June
Still fairly quiet but still a few birds of interest. The Hobby is still around mainly on Bryher and the Iceland Gull remains. A few Wheatears are still being reported as are Swifts and Whimbrel. It is suspected that the Marsh Harriers and Little Egrets are breeding again.
On the 20th a Quail was flushed near Horse Point, St. Agnes and the Hobby was seen again on Bryher where there were also 2 Swift & a Willow Warbler. At Porth Hellick there were a Swift and 2 Sand Martin. Sand Martin do not breed on the islands and yet are seen in small numbers throughout the summer months, it would be interesting to know their origin.
On the 21st An unseasonal female Merlin flew past Holgate’s Green in Hugh Town and continuing the winter feel the Iceland Gull was seen in a field on Porthloo Lane. 2 more unseasonal visitors, Skylarks, were reported from the Airfield, 3 Wheatears were seen on St. Agnes.
On the 22nd 45 European Storm-Petrels were seen on the Scillonian crossing. A visit to the uninhabited island of Tean logged 60+ Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, a male Marsh Harrier, an immature Peregrine and 2 Black-headed Gulls ( a scarce bird in early summer).
On the 23rd nothing was reported, bad weather keeping observers indoors.
On the 24th an evening short-range pelagic trip was uneventful logging only 20 European Storm-Petrels & 10 Manx Shearwaters. The first Balearic Shearwater of the year was recorded north of Tresco. The Hobby was still on Bryher and on Tresco there were 2 Whimbrel, 1 Dunlin & a Black-headed Gull. 2 Black-headed Gulls were still on Tean.
On the 25th the male Marsh Harrier was seen carrying food. Also there were 3 Little Egrets in a roost, 2 Blackcaps & a Black-headed Gull. A juvenile Cuckoo was seen near Giant’s Castle.
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13th to 19th June
Generally quiet but still a few birds of interest. At least one Hobby was around the islands all week and the Iceland Gull was on or around Samson. A few Wheatears were reported from St. Agnes & St. Martin’s, possible breeders? Swifts are still about in small numbers as are Whimbrel.
On the 13th a Great Northern Diver was off Samson, a Honey Buzzard was seen on Tresco and a Hen Harrier was reported from St. Martin’s.
On the 14th a Hobby was over Higher Moors and an Iceland Gull was on Samson.
On the 15th the Iceland Gull was still on Samson, as was a Golden Plover and 15 Swift were over Porth Hellick Pool.
On the 16th a Hobby was on Bryher and the Iceland Gull remained on Samson.
On the 17th a Roseate Tern was near Stoney Island and a Hobby & 5 Swifts were over Bryher.
On the 18th the juvenile Iceland Gull was reported on Samson again and the Hobby was still on Bryher.
Nothing reported on the 19th apart from lots of rain.
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5th to 12th June The Iceland & Kumlien’s Gulls were both reported this week. The Marsh Harriers & the Buzzard are still present. There are still a few late migrants Spotted Flycatchers, Whinchats, Whitethroat & a few Swifts are still being seen.
Dunlin are being reported more frequently with up to 15 on Samson.
Wheatears are still seen daily and it is suspected that several pairs may be breeding near the Daymark on St. Martin’s.
The highlights of the week were an Osprey over St. Mary’s, a full summer male Red-breasted Flycatcher on St. Martin’s and a Bee-eater, Black-headed bunting & a Buff-breasted Sandpiper on St. Agnes.
On the 5th A Bee-eater & a female Black-headed Bunting were seen on St. Agnes and on St. Mary’s the Kumlien’s Gull was at Porth Hellick & 50+ House Martin at Telegraph. The first pelagic trip of the year logged 25 Storm Petrels and 15 Manx Shearwaters.
On the 6th a Roseate Tern was seen flying around a fishing boat in Old town Bay.
On the 7th the Roseate Tern was commuting between Old Town & Porth Cressa Bays and was seen to be ringed. An Iceland Gull & a Bar-tailed Godwit were on Samson.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen in the Holy Vale area and was reported to be a female and was therefore a different bird to the one frequenting the same location earlier this year.
On the 8th the Roseate Tern was still commuting between Old Town & Porth Cressa Bays. An Osprey flew over Old Town towards the airport and was then seen later flying over Hugh town harbour. An Arctic Tern was seen near Bryher in the Tresco Channel.
On the 9th an Iceland Gull was at Kittydown and the Roseate Tern extended its commuting to include the harbour and Town Beach. An Osprey was seen on Tresco.
On the 10th the Roseate Tern was still around Old Town & Porth Cressa and a second bird (unringed) was seen near Samson. 5 Whimbrel were on Tean and a first summer Hobby was on Bryher.
On the 11th the Roseate Tern was still at Old Town and a Hobby was on the Garrison. Two very unseasonal sightings were a fine male Red-breasted Flycatcher on St. Martins and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper on St. Agnes. A Great Northern Diver was off Samson.
On the 12th Hobbies were seen on Tresco & St. Martin’s and the Buff-breasted Sandpiper was still on Porth Coose, St. Agnes. The year’s second pelagic logged just ten Storm Petrels. When returning from the Pelagic to large flocks of Manx Shearwaters, one group of 60 and another of 100.
Other Natural history News.
There has been an influx of both Clouded Yellow & Painted Lady butterflies.
A Striped Hawk-Moth was trapped at Longstone on the 11th.
6 Risso’s Dolphins were between the Garrison & Samson on the 9th and anther 10 were seen off Giant’s Castle on the 11th.
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30th May to 4th June Still a few late common migrants passing through i.e. Wheatear, Whimbrel, Sand Martin, Swift & Spotted Flycatcher.
The 30th was the last day that the Squacco Heron was reported. Also seen on St. Mary’s was a Golden Oriole in the Lower Moors/Rosehill area and a Dunlin at Porth Hellick. A Turtle Dove was on Bryher, a Bar-tailed Godwit was on St. Agnes & two were near Samson and a Honey Buzzard flew over St. Martin’s.
On the 31st three Marsh Harriers (a male, a female & a juvenile) were seen together on Tresco, where there was also a Common Buzzard, an Iceland Gull and a Dunlin. A Dunlin was also seen at Porth Hellick.
On the 1st five Dunlin were on St. Martin’s and 2 Golden Plover were on St. Agnes.
On the 2nd a Whinchat was in Holy Vale.
On the 3rd there was rain! & more rain, consequently no birds were reported.
On the 4th five Common Terns were seen off Samson, a ‘White-winged Gull’ was reported from Porth Hellick and on Tresco a Common Buzzard, a Pied & a Yellow Wagtail were seen.
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22nd to 29th May The Marsh Harriers, the Buzzard, the Kumlien’s & Iceland Gulls are still present. There are still a few Whimbrel & Sand Martins passing through and there are still plenty of Wheatears, Swallows & House Martins and several Cuckoos. There are now more Spotted Flycatchers & Swifts being seen across the islands. The highlights of the week were: Little Swift, Squacco Heron, Red-backed Shrike & Osprey.
On the 22nd the Squacco Heron was still at Porth Hellick Pool remaining until the 29th at least. An Iceland Gull was on Tresco Heliport & a female Pied Flycatcher was down Abbey Road. A White & Yellow Wagtail were on St. Agnes.
On the 23rd there was a pair of Pied Wagtail with two young at St. Mary’s Quay, a juvenile Kumlien’s Gull was at Trenoweth, a Turtle Dove was near Old Town Church, a Great Northern Diver was in the Roads and there were 8 Puffins on Mincarlo & 16 at Scilly Rock. Undoubtedly the bird of the week was a Little Swift seen flying around the lighthouse on St. Agnes.
On the 24th a Great Northern Diver & Dunlin were on Tresco and a Honey Buzzard was seen flying from St. Agnes towards Bryher. The Little Swift flew over Peninnis at 16:00.
On the 25th The Turtle Dove was still near Old Town Church, the Kumlien’s Gull was on rocks off Juliet’s Garden and a Long-eared Owl was in gorse on the edge of the Airfield. A Dunlin was St. Martin’s and an immature Iceland Gull was on Samson.
On the 26th an Osprey flew over Longstone
On the 27th there were 4 Dunlin on Porth Hellick & 20 on Porth Cressa, where there were also 3 Common Terns and a probable first-summer Caspian Gull.
On the 28th a Golden Plover was on the Airfield, 3 Dunlin were on Porthlow beach, 2 were at Porth Hellick and 7 were on St . Agnes. A Golden Oriole was seen on Tresco and 5 Sanderling were on St. Agnes.
On the 29th a female Red-backed Shrike was on Peninnis, a Great Northern Diver was in the Roads, a Whinchat was on the Garrison and 4 Sanderling were near Samson & 10 were on St. Martin’s.
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15th to 21st May The Marsh Harriers, the Buzzard, the Kumlien’s & at least two Iceland Gulls are still present. There are still a few Whimbrel and a few Swifts passing through and there are still plenty of Wheatears, Swallows, House & Sand Martins and several Cuckoos. The highlights of the week were: 2 Bee-eaters, Pallid Swift, Squacco Heron, Pectoral Sandpiper, Red-backed Shrike & Osprey.
Late news: on the 14th a visitor reported a small buffy heron with white wings on the Great Pool, Tresco, since the Squacco Heron was at Porth Hellick all day, there was most likely a second bird.
On the 15th the Squacco Heron was still at Porth Hellick Pool remaining until 21st at least. On St. Agnes there was a Spotted Flycatcher & at least 2 Golden Oriole one of which was taken by a bird of prey, Peregrine?, leaving just a few feathers. Also still on St. Agnes was the Pectoral Sandpiper, which moved to Porth Hellick Pool that evening. There was a female Garganey on Tresco and 2 Garden Warblers on the Garrison.
On the 16th the Pectoral Sandpiper was still at Porth Hellick and a Black-tailed Godwit & Yellow Wagtail were on Tresco.
On the 17th on St. Mary’s the Pectoral Sandpiper remained at Porth Hellick, a Golden Oriole was at Trenoweth, 2 Golden Plovers were on the Golf course and an Iceland Gull was at Porthloo. On Tresco there was another Iceland Gull & a Black-tailed Godwit. A trip to St. Martin’s logged a Wood Warbler, a male Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, a Whitethroat & 2 Golden Plover.
On the 18th the Squacco & Pectoral Sandpiper were still at Porth Hellick. Birds reported from the Scillonian crossing included 6 Storm Petrels, 7 Manx Shearwater, an Arctic & a Pomarine Skua. The Hooded Crow is still alive & well on Bryher.
On the 19th an Iceland Gull was on Tresco and a female Blue-headed Wagtail was on St. Agnes.
On the 20th a fine male Red-backed Shrike showed well early morning in the Lower Moors/Dump area but was very elusive later in the day. A first-winter Iceland Gull was on St. Agnes and second-summer bird flew over the Golf Course, the now very bleached Kumlien’s Gull was at Porthloo in the evening. A Pallid Swift was in the company of 5 Common Swifts on Bryher, it was the fourth ‘Pallid’ to be discovered by the finder three of them on Bryher! Also on Bryher was a Spotted Flycatcher & another was on the Garrison. An Osprey flew over Middletown St. Martin’s and a Turtle Dove was seen on Peninnis.
On the 21st our early birder who had unearthed yesterday’s Red-backed Shrike went one (or two!) better when he picked up 2 Bee-eaters flying in off the sea at Porth Minnick and then relocated them on wires over Shooters’ Pool, Lower Moors. They only remained until 08:15 then flew off west, but before they left they were joined by a Lesser Redpoll on the wires, a combination not often seen, especially in the U.K. A Hobby was also over Lower Moors and it or another was seen over Porth Hellick. The Kumlien’s Gull was on the Garrison and 50+ Wheatears were reported on Tresco.
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7th to 14th May The Marsh Harriers, the Buzzard, the Kumlien’s & at least two Iceland Gulls are still present. There are still lots of Whimbrel passing through. The highlights of the week were: Squacco Heron, Pectoral Sandpiper, Golden Oriole & Garganey.
On the 7th a second winter Iceland Gull was on St. Agnes and 2 drake Garganey & a Buzzard were at Porth Hellick. 2 Tree Pipits were on Bryher, a Great Northern Diver was in the Roads and a Dunlin was on Old Town Beach.
On the 8th a sub-adult Iceland Gull was off Morning Point and a first winter was in Porth Cressa Bay. A Black-tailed Godwit was on St. Agnes cricket pitch & 2 Golden Plovers were on the Airfield.
On the 9th an Iceland Gull flew over Hugh Town, a Black-tailed Godwit was on Tresco & 1 Garganey was still at Porth Hellick.
On the 10th an Iceland Gull and a Kumlien’s Gull were both in the Porth Cressa/Morning Point area. The Garganey was at Porth Hellick and 2 Cuckoos were on the Garrison.
On the 11th the Kumlien’s Gull was on the rocks below Juliet’s Garden and an Iceland Gull was on Porth Cressa beach. On St. Agnes there was a Garden Warbler, a Golden Oriole and an Arctic Skua.
On the 12th a Golden Oriole was heard in Holy Vale, a Black-tailed Godwit & a Hobby were on Tresco, an Iceland Gull was on St. Mary’s and a Grasshopper Warbler was at Porth Hellick.
On the 13th a Golden Oriole was again on St. Agnes, 2 Swift were on Bryher and 15 Sanderling & 6 Dunlin were on Tresco. On St. Mary’s an Iceland Gull was at Porthlow, an unseasonal Black-headed Gull was at Morning Point and at Porth Hellick were: Sparrowhawk, Pied Wagtail, Grasshopper Warbler & Squacco Heron was found mid-evening.
On the 14th the Kumlien’s Gull was seen on Newford Duck Pond, an Iceland Gull was on Simpson’s Field, Tresco. Also a trip to Tresco logged a Spotted Flycatcher, a Yellow Wagtail, a Common Sandpiper, a Buzzard, a Whitethroat and a Hobby. The Squacco Heron was still at Porth Hellick and a Pectoral Sandpiper was found on St. Agnes.
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30th April to 6th May The Marsh Harriers, the Buzzard, the Kumlien’s Gull and a few Great Northern Divers are still around. Common migrants are still passing (including many Whimbrel and good numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits). The highlights of the week were: Bee-eater, Red-rumped Swallow, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole & an American Herring Gull.
On the 30th A Hobby & a Whitethroat were on St. Agnes and another Hobby was on Tresco. On St. Mary’s a Swift & a Whinchat were seen around Star Castle, also on St. Mary’s was a Merlin.
On the 1st The Hoopoe was seen again on St. Agnes where there were also 3 Swift and a Wood Warbler. The American Herring Gull was still on Tresco. On St. Mary’s a Swift was over Normandy, a Hobby was at Porthlow, a drake Scaup was in Town Bay and a Whinchat, a Yellow Wagtail, a Redstart & a Redpoll were all at Longstone.
On the 2nd a trip to Bryher logged the first Spotted Flycatcher of the year, a Lapwing, a male Redstart, a Lesser Whitethroat & a first summer Hobby. On St. Mary’s a Whinchat & a Lesser Whitethroat were at Carn Friars, a Common Sandpiper was on Old Town beach and a Golden Oriole was at Spray View, near Deep Point.
On the 3rd a Whitethroat & a Bee-eater were on St. Agnes and a Common Sandpiper was on Tresco. Bryher produced a Whinchat, a Whitethroat and a Long-tailed Tit ( a scarce bird on Scilly). A Black-throated Diver was in the Roads and a Hobby & a Golden Oriole were seen at Porth Hellick. A Hobby was also on St. Martin’s and a Redpoll was seen at Carn Friars. An adult Long-tailed Skua was seen next to his boat by a local fisherman, 3 miles southeast of Scilly.
On the 4th the Bee-eater was still on St. Agnes but proved elusive. 2 Purple Sandpipers were on the Western Rocks. 3 Common Tern were off St. Martin’s and 1 was in Tresco Channel, where an Iceland Gull was also seen.
On the 5th the Bee-eater was heard but not seen over Castella Down, St. Agnes where a fly by Red-rumped Swallow was also seen.
On the 6th 2 Common Terns were in Porthcressa Bay, 2 were on the Bacon Buoy and a Dunlin was on Porthlow beach.
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23rd to 29th April The Marsh Harriers, the Buzzard, the Kumlien’s Gull and a few Great Northern Divers are still around. Hirundines & Wheatears are still passing through and few Tree Pipits, Grasshopper Warblers & Cuckoos are being seen/heard daily. There is a noticeable passage of Whimbrel & Bar-tailed Godwit, both being seen daily across the islands.
The highlights of the week include the Black Kite lingering all week, mainly on St.Mary’s but making an occasional trip to St. Martin’s. Also a Garganey, a Hoopoe & an American Herring Gull were seen.
Also:
23rd A Wryneck was seen on Porthloo Lane and a Reed Warbler & a Common Sandpiper were on Tresco.
24th 2 Sedge Warblers were in Lower Moors & 1 was near Old Town Church, a Brambling was seen at Rosehill/Rocky Hills Corner and the Kumlien’s Gull was on the Golf Course.
25th 3 Swift were over Maypole and 1 was over Pelistry. A Golden Plover was at Telegraph.
26th A Green Sandpiper was at Porth Hellick, 2 White Wagtail were on Tresco with another on Bryher. A Redpoll was seen on St. Martin’s, 2 Reed Warbler were at Higher Moors and 1 at Lower Moors. Also at Lower Moors was an “odd” Snipe showing characteristics of Wilson’s Snipe, this bird was present all week and was photographed, we await the outcome.
27th A Garganey was on St. Agnes, a Reed Warbler was at Porth Hellick and 30 Sanderling were on St. Martin’s. Also of note, a flock of 30 Bar-tailed Godwit flew past St. Martin’s.
28th A Hoopoe was on St. Agnes, and a first-winter American Herring Gull was present for about 40 minutes on Tresco Heliport. A Grasshopper, 2 Sedge & 3 Reed Warblers were at Lower Moors. A Sedge Warbler was on St. Martin’s & a Purple Sandpiper was on Scilly Rock. An Iceland Gull was off Innisidgen and a Garden & a Sedge Warbler were seen on Bryher. A visit to Annet logged 10 Whimbrel, 3 Whitethroat & 2 Cuckoo.
29th The Hoopoe was still on St. Agnes and also seen there were the first Hobby & Lesser Whitethroat of the year. A male Garganey was on Lower Moors pool all day. At Carn Friars there were 2 Reed Bunting (scarce on Scilly) and a Brambling. A Golden Plover was on the airfield, a Whitethroat was at Porth Hellick and the Iceland Gull was on Toll’s Island.
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16th to 22nd April The Marsh Harriers, the 4 Greylag ,the Spoonbill, the Buzzard, the Kumlien’s Gull and a few Great Northern Divers are still around. Hirundines & Wheatears are still passing through and there is an increase in Willow Warblers & Tree Pipits. Ring Ouzels and Grasshopper Warblers are being seen/heard daily in small numbers The year’s first Cuckoo, Redstart, Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Yellow Wagtail were seen. The highlight of the week was a Black Kite on 22nd.
Also:
16th – A Merlin was at Porthlow and another was on Tresco, where there were 2 White Wagtails.
17th – 3 Common Sandpipers were at Porthlow and another 3 were at Porth Hellick Pool and a Tufted Duck was at the latter site staying until the 21st. The recent Merlin sightings continued with 1 being reported from Higher Town, St. Martin’s. There was a Whimbrel at Innisidgen and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits on Porthlow beach.
18th – A Swift flew over the Star Castle Hotel. At Porth Hellick there was a Common Sandpiper & the first Reed Warbler of the year. On Bryher there were 3 White Wagtails and a Whimbrel, there was also a Whimbrel on Porth Hellick beach. A Bar-tailed Godwit was on Taylor’s Island & a Skylark was on St. Martin’s.
19th – 3 Whimbrel were seen on Bryher and another 2 on St. Agnes. There were 2 Common Sandpiper on St Agnes and 4 on Tresco, also on Tresco a Green Sandpiper was seen. On St. Mary’s there was a Water Rail on the Garrison.
20th – Single Merlin were seen on Bryher, Tresco and on St. Mary’s at Porthlow & Lower Moors. Today produce several first for the year, a Cuckoo on Peninnis and Whitethroat, Redstart & Yellow Wagtail all on Bryher. 4 Whimbrel were on Tresco and 3 were near Samson where there was also a Dunlin. A Grey Plover & an Eider were seen on Tresco. There was an influx of Common Sandpipers with 1 on Porth Cressa, 1 on Bryher and 11 on Tresco. The Jack Snipe was reported again at Lower Moors.
21st – Cuckoos were reported from Peninnis, the Garrison, Deep Point and St. Agnes. A Bar-tailed Godwit & 2 Whimbrel were on Porthlow beach and 3 more Whimbrel were on St. Agnes. A Merlin was at Porthlow, a Common Sandpiper was at Porth Hellick and a Dunlin was on Bryher.
22nd – An Iceland Gull was lingering off Giant’s Castle and it or another were seen later on Tresco. There was a dramatic increase in Whimbrel numbers with 20 being recorded from Tean and 21 from St. Martin’s. A Common Tern was in the Roads and a Common Sandpiper was on Tresco. A Bar-tailed Godwit & a Dunlin were on Samson. A very dark Marsh Harrier was seen over Lower Moors and from timing and plumage details it was thought to be different to the resident ones, probable a passage bird. The bird of the week, a Black Kite, was first seen mid-afternoon on St. Martins and then later on flying over the Golf Course on St. Mary’s.
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6th to 15th April The Marsh Harriers are still present, as are the 4 Greylag and the Spoonbill on Tresco. The Kumlien’s Gull remains on the golf course. Wheatears, Swallows, House & Sand Martins continued to pass through, numbers varying from day to day. The Great Spotted Woodpecker which has not been reported for several weeks is still on St. Mary’s.
On 6th the falcon resembling a Gyr was seen again, over Samson. On St. Mary’s an adult Night Heron flew over Higher Moors, a Willow Warbler was on the Garrison, 6 Ring Ouzels were at the turning circle on the airport and 7 Great Northern Divers were in the Roads. On Tresco a Blackcap and a Redwing were seen. A Hoopoe was seen at Middle Town, St Martin’s.
On 7th a Rook (scarce on Scilly) was seen over Rocky Hills and the 6 Ring Ouzels were still at the airport with another on Bryher. A Jack Snipe was at Lower Moors, a Bar-tailed Godwit was on Taylor’s Island and in the Roads a Black-throated & 5 Great Northern Divers were seen.
On 8th on St. Mary’s a Buzzard was soaring over Hugh Town, the Bar-tailed Godwit was still on Taylor’s Island a Brambling was at the campsite, a Swift sp flew over the Garrison and 13 Great Northern Divers & 7 Sandwich Terns were in the Roads.
3 Tufted Duck & 3 Pochard were on the Great Pool, Tresco and 3 Whimbrel were near Samson.
A visit to Tresco on 9th produced a Common Sandpiper, a Buzzard, a Merlin, a Fieldfare & a Redwing. On St. Mary’s the Jack Snipe & Brambling were still present.
On 10th a Tufted Duck was on Porth Hellick Pool, remaining to 15th at least. 5 Great Northern Divers were in the Roads. An unexpected sighting was 30+ Purple Sandpipers on the Western Rocks, there has been a paucity of records for this species over the past few winters, perhaps this is where they have been hiding!
On 11th the Buzzard was again over Hugh Town and the Spoonbill from Tresco was seen to fly over St. Mary’s Airfield. A Common Sandpiper & a female Pintail were on Bryher. 4 Willow Warblers were on Bryher and one was on the Garrison.
On 12th yesterday’s flyover Spoonbill was located on Porth Hellick beach, the Tufted Duck was still on Porth Hellick Pool, the Bar-tailed Godwit was still at Porthlow and the Brambling was still at the Garrison campsite. Also on the Garrison a Wryneck was found south of the Steval. There were still 4 Great Northern Divers in the Roads.
The Wryneck was still present on 13th and Puffins were reported from the Northern Rocks. A Ring Ouzel was on Peninnis and a White Wagtail was on Kittydown. A trip to St. Martin’s produced, as well as hirundines and Wheatears, a Black Redstart and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit.
On the 14th the Wryneck was still on the Garrison, a Merlin flew over Star Castle and a Grasshopper Warbler was heard in the Decca field at Telegraph.
3 Grasshopper Warblers were reported on 15th, 1 on the Garrison, 1 at Porthlow and 1 on St. Agnes. The Wryneck was still present, a Merlin was again seen over Star Castle and a Great Northern Diver was in Porth Cressa Bay. The Tufted Duck was still on Porth Hellick Pool and an Eider was off Tresco. On Samson there were 14 Purple Sandpipers, 2 Whimbrel and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, another 3 Bar-tailed Godwits were at Porthlow. A Tree Pipit & a Ring Ouzel were seen on Bryher.
On the Lepidoptera front Holy Blues & Speckled Woods are now on the wing. A Humming-bird Hawkmoth was seen on the Garrison on 6th and 3 Clouded Yellows were seen on the 15th, one at Porthlow, one on the Garrison and one on St. Agnes.
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27th March to 5th April The Marsh Harriers are still present, as are the 4 Greylag and the Spoonbill on Tresco.
Highlights this week were Osprey, the adult Night Heron present all week, a probable Gyr Falcon and a Yellowhammer! Migrants included the first Ring Ouzel, Willow Warbler, Green Sandpiper, House & Sand Martins of the year.
On the 27th on St. Mary’s a Buzzard was soaring over Hugh Town and a Jack Snipe was at Lower Moors. A Ring Ouzel was seen on Tresco, a Long-eared Owl on Bryher, and on St. Agnes there were 3 Sand Martins and 2 Wheatears.
On the 28th a possible Gyr Falcon flew over the Star Castle Hotel towards Samson, the adult Night Heron flew over Porth Mellon towards Tresco and there was a Wheatear on Peninnis.
The only report on the 29th was of 2 Jack Snipe at Lower Moors.
On the 30th a Fieldfare and a Sand Martin were seen on Tresco
On the 31st there were 20 Sand Martins at Porth Hellick and 1 on St. Martin’s.
On the 1st the Spoonbill had a day out on Bryher.
The 2nd produced a star bird for Scilly in the shape of a fine male Yellowhammer on the Garrison Campsite, a genuinely rare species on Scilly, staying until 4th at least. Spring migration continued with an Osprey over Star Castle, 2 Willow Warblers and a splendid male Black Redstart on the Garrison a few Swallows and several Sand Martin & Wheatear across the islands.
A notable early spring record was 5 Green Sandpipers at Porth Hellick in the late evening.
The first House Martins of the year were logged on the 3rd when 2 were at Porth Hellick. Also seen on the 3rd a Buzzard was over Star Castle and the first-winter Kumlien’s Gull was on St. Mary’s Golf Course. A noticeable influx of what appeared to be continental Song Thrushes peaked with 30 on St Mary’s and 40 0n St. Agnes.
On the 4th there was a very noticeable increase in migration with large numbers of Wheatear being seen, e.g. 50 on Long Point, St. Agnes, 30 on the Golf Course & 20 on Bryher. There were lots of Chiffchaff with 70 on Bryher alone. At Porth Hellick there were about a dozen Sand Martins, 3 Swallows & 3 House Martins. There were at least 16 Ring Ouzels – 8 on St. Mary’s, 3 on St. Agnes, 3 on Bryher and 2 on St. Martin’s.
A Great Northern was in Porth Cressa Bay & 3 were in the Roads, 2 Black Redstarts were reported on St. Mary’s and the Kumlien’s Gull was still on the Golf Course. On St. Martin’s there were 2 Common Scoter, 6 Fieldfare & a Redwing. A Merlin was seen on Gugh, a Buzzard on Tresco, 5 Eider & 3 Sandwich Tern in the Roads and a female Pintail on Bryher. A notable sighting was the first ever record of Red-legged Partridge on St. Agnes.
On the 5th there were at least 10 Ring Ouzel on St. Mary’s – 8 on the Airport, 1 on the Golf Course and 1 on Peninnis. The possible Gyr Falcon was seen again over Puffin Island, unfortunately it has not yet been seen well enough or long enough to determine whether it is a genuine Gyr or a falconer’s hybrid. An Iceland Gull was at Porthloo and the Kumlien’s Gull was again at the Golf Course, this time on the clubhouse roof! With a calm sea, viewing conditions were ideal and consequently 11 Great Northern & 2 Black-throated Divers were seen in the Roads & 2 Common Scoter were seen off Watermill. A Long-eared Owl was seen in the evening at Higher Moors. 2 Whimbrel were on Samson and on Tresco were 2 House Martin, a Redwing and a Merlin.
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21st to 26th March The Marsh Harriers were seen throughout the week commuting between St Martin’s and Tresco and the Spoonbill is still on Tresco.
Highlights this week were a Great Spotted Cuckoo, probable Gyr Falcon, Ring-billed Gull, Night Heron and the first Wheatear & Sandwich Tern of the year.
On the 21st, on Tresco the 4 Greylags were still on Simpson’s Field, 4 Eider & a superb plumaged male Red-breasted Merganser were off shore, also a Rook ( rare on Scilly) flew over. On the boat trip back to St Mary’s a first-winter Ring-billed Gull was seen on Puffin Island before flying towards Green Bay, Bryher. The adult Night Heron flew into Porth Hellick Pool at dusk, as it did every evening this week.
The first Wheatear of the year was on Salakee Down on the 22nd and a large falcon resembling a Gyr Falcon flew over the Star Castle Hotel towards Old Town. The first-winter Kumlien’s Gull was again at Morning Point. On St Martin’s all 3 Marsh Harriers were seen and there was also a ringtail Hen Harrier there.
On the 23rd the Kumlien’s Gull at Morning Point was joined briefly by a first-winter Iceland Gull. The Wheatear was still at Salakee Down and it or another was seen at Porth Hellick Down. 4 Ravens were seen over Salakee Dow, these were part of what seems to be an influx with possibly up to 8 birds involved. There was also an influx of Wood Pigeon and Grey Heron e.g. in the early morning there were 5 tired looking herons in the standing stones field at Lower Moors which seemed to be fresh in.
On the 24th the one resident birder on St Martin’s saw a Great Spotted Cuckoo, unfortunately it could not be relocated by any of the St Mary’s birders who looked for it that and the next day. Also on St Martin’s there was a Lapwing and the ringtail Hen Harrier was seen again at the Daymark. A Lapland Bunting flew over Salakee towards the Airfield and a Buzzard was seen over Tresco.
On the 25th the Lapwing was still on St Martin’s and 2 Slavonian Grebes were off Higher Town quay. The 4 Eider were still off Tresco and on St Mary’s the Kumlien’s Gull was on the Golf Course, 2 Great Northern Divers were in Porth Hellick Bay and the first Bacon Sandwich of the year was seen, i.e. a Sandwich Tern sitting on the Bacon buoy in The Roads.
On the 26th the Kumlien’s Gull was still on the Golf Course, the Sandwich Tern was on the Bacon, a Jack Snipe was at Lower Moors and a Buzzard flew over Peninnis.
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12th to 20th March
Highlights this week, were the Marsh Harriers displaying, a Great Crested Grebe & 2 Night Herons. Linnets are now starting to appear in small numbers, which on Scilly are a sign of spring.
On 12th a first-winter Kumlien’s Gull was still at Morning Point and a male Merlin was seen on Tresco.
On 13th an adult Night Heron was seen in Lower Moors, first-winter Kumlien’s & Iceland Gulls were at Morning Point and 2 Swallows were at Sallyport.
On 14th The first-winter Kumlien’s Gull was still at Morning Point and a brief scan of the sea from Steval on the Garrison proved productive with a Great Crested Grebe, a Red-throated, 2 Black-throated & 4 Great Northern Divers being seen. Both Red-throated Diver and Great Crested Grebe are Scilly rarities. A Manx Shearwater was seen from St Mary’s Quay, an adult Night Heron was seen at Porth Hellick and a juvenile was on St Agnes.
The resident Spoonbill made a visit to Bryher, where there was also a White Wagtail and a Common Buzzard was seen over Bryher and Tresco. Also on Tresco the male Pied Wagtail that had wintered was still around and all 3 Marsh Harriers were seen, with the male and female displaying. 11 Pochard (8 drakes and 3 ducks) were still present, a pair were copulating, will they stay and breed? Also there were a pair of Teal, 4 Greylags, a female Merlin, 2 Black-throated & 8 Great Northern Divers, 17 Redshank, 11 Greenshank, 6 Little Egrets and a Swallow.
Birding was restricted over the next few days due to poor weather put reported were:
On 16th an adult Night Heron at Porth Hellick, a Firecrest at Carn Friars and a first-winter Iceland Gull at Morning Point.
On 18th a first-winter Kumlien’s Gull in Little Porth.
On 19th The first-winter Kumlien’s Gull was still in Little Porth, where a Black Redstart was also present.
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5th to 11th March
Highlights this week, were the return of the male Marsh Harrier, Ring-billed Gull, Red-necked Grebe & the first Swallow of the year.
On 5th a first-winter Iceland Gull was in Little Porth.
12 Grey Plover were seen on Bryher on 6th
On 7th watching from various view points around St. Mary’s produced a Black-throated Diver and 21 Great Northern Divers in inter-island waters.
A Ring–billed Gull was reported on St. Martin’s on 8th. On Tresco there was an Iceland Gull, the Spoonbill, 17 Little Egrets, a Black-throated Diver in The Roads and a report of a Red-necked Grebe.
A visit to Tresco on 9th logged the Spoonbill, 5 Eider, the first Tufted Duck this year, 4 Greylag and a Common Buzzard. On a trip to St. Martins a male and female Marsh Harrier were seen. As last year when the male returned in early March, it is to be hoped that they breed again. Also on St. Martin’s were a first-winter Kumlien’s Gull and an adult Glaucous Gull.
On 10th a first-winter Kumlien’s Gull was seen of Morning Point and a Little Grebe was on Tresco.
On the 11th a Black-throated Diver, a female Marsh Harrier, 4 Greylags and the first Swallow of the spring were seen on Tresco.
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Belated news from St. Martin’s – up to 3 Iceland Gulls in recent weeks and a Ring-billed Gull on Sunday Feb 25th.
26th February to 4th March
No new arrivals this week, but still some lingering white-winged gulls. A Great Northern Diver showed well all week in Hugh Town, either in Porth Cressa or off Town Beach.
On 26th there was a 1st winter Iceland Gull at Porthlow and a 1st winter Kumlien’s Gull on St . Agnes.
2 Great Northern Divers were off Innisidgen on 27th and there was a good count of 85 Wood Pigeons.
On 1st March a rare winter trip to St. Martin’s proved fruitful with 2 Slavonian Grebes, 8 Great Northern Divers & a Black-throated Diver between St. Martin’s and the Eastern Isles. 3 Eider were in Crow Sound and a pair of Raven’s were displaying over St. Martin’s also seen was a female Kestrel.
On the 3rd a trip to Tresco logged the following: 1st winter Iceland & Kumlien’s Gulls, 2 Marsh Harriers, the 4 Greylags, 6 Eiders, and 13 Great Northern Divers. The long-staying Spoonbill was on Plumb Island and a female Merlin flew over Old Town Bay, St. Mary’s.
Foul weather on 4th restricted birding but an adult Iceland Gull was seen in Porth Cressa Bay.
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19th to 25th February
As was the case last week it was mainly a “gull week”, but the first Manx Shearwater of the year was seen.
On 19th a probable Kumlien’s Gull was on Porth Cressa beach.
A trip to Tresco on 21st produced the following the resident Spoonbill (now 2nd winter), 4 Greylag, a drake Shoveler, 10 drake & and 2 female Pochard, 3 Eider, about 10 Great Northern Divers, 7 Redshank, 5 Greenshank, a 1st winter Iceland Gull, a Merlin, a male Sparrowhawk and a Firecrest.
After going missing for a week the Bonaparte’s Gull was seen again on 23rd, this time in Porth Cressa.
On 25th a 1st winter Glaucous Gull was seen on Hangman’s Island, near Bryher, a 1st winter Iceland Gull & the Spoonbill were on Tresco and 1 (possibly 3) Manx Shearwater, the first of the year were off Peninnis.
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12th to 18th February
Very few reports this week, the few received all involved gulls.
On 13th 2 Iceland Gulls (Adult & 1st winter) were seen on Bryher.
On 14th a 1st winter Bonaparte’s Gull and a 2nd winter Iceland Gull were in Porthlow.
On 15th the Bonaparte’s Gull was in Porth Cressa and a 1st winter Iceland Gull was in Little Porth.
The Bonaparte’s Gull was again in Porth Cressa on 16th.
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5th to 11th February
There are now 2 Marsh Harriers on Tresco & the 4 Greylags are still present, as is the Spoonbill. The Great Spotted Woodpecker on St. Mary’s is showing well and can be heard drumming in the Holy Vale area.
On 5th an adult Iceland Gull, 3 Great Northern Divers, a Black-throated Diver, an Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Slavonian Grebes were seen off watch points from MacFarland’s down to Deep Point. The sighting of early flying butterflies continued with 2 Peacocks in the Holy Vale area.
Records on the 6th from similar areas as yesterday were: 8 Great Northern & 2 Black-throated Divers, a juvenile Kumlien’s Gull and 2 Slavonian Grebes. A 1st winter Iceland Gull flew over Hugh town.
On the 7th two locals and a visiting birder took advantage of the fine weather (before the predicted rain and winds for the rest of the week) with a trip to Tresco. As usual for this
time of year it proved to be a wise choice, with sightings of: 60-70 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 14 Pochard (11 males and 3 females), the Spoonbill, 2 female type Marsh Harriers, 2 Jackdaw, a female Merlin, 3 Great Northern Divers and the 1st winter Bonaparte’s Gull. A 1st winter Iceland Gull again flew over Hugh town.
Due to poor weather there was little seen during the rest of the week, the only records were:
8th – 14 Snipe at Lower Moors with 3 Raven flying over (including 2 displaying).
9th – An adult Iceland Gull past Porth Hellick Down.
11th – Adult Iceland Gull over Hugh Town.
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28th January to 4th February
The 4 Greylags, and several Little Egrets are still present on Tresco. The Marsh Harrier & the Spoonbill on Tresco and the Great Spotted Woodpecker on St. Mary’s, all of which seemed to have gone missing in the past few weeks, were all reported during the week.
On 28th a 1st winter Iceland Gull was seen flying over Town Beach towards Porth Mellon.
On St. Mary’s on 29th one 1st winter Iceland Gull was seen flying past Innisidgen towards St. Martin’s and another was seen at Porthlow. 2 Slavonian Grebes, 8 Great Northern Divers, 2 Eider & a Black-throated Diver were recorded from view points on the north of the island.
A trip to Tresco on 30th produced 6 Eider, 2 Iceland Gulls and the Spoonbill in Pentle Bay, also offshore were a Red-breasted Merganser, a Black-throated & 15 Great Northern Divers. Away from the shore there was a Fieldfare, a female Marsh Harrier and a good winter count of 35 Meadow Pipits.
The only reports on the 31st were of 8 Snipe, a Greenshank and a Grey Wagtail in Lower Moors.
On 1st February a Common Scoter was seen off St. Martin’s.
On another visit to Tresco on 2nd the 1st winter Bonaparte’s Gull was seen on South Beach. Elsewhere on Tresco a Little Auk, 2 juvenile Kumlien’s Gulls, an Iceland Gull & 4 Eider were seen also the female Marsh Harrier was seen again.
On 3rd on St. Mary’s 5 Eider were off MacFarland’s Down and 4 Great Northern Divers were off Innisidgen.
On 4th, the third trip this week to Tresco again proved fruitful when a Bonaparte’s Gull, a Kumlien’s Gull, an Iceland Gull, 4 Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser, a drake Shoveler, 5 drake & 2 female Pochard and a Sparrowhawk were all recorded.
The weather was warm enough to bring out a Red Admiral.
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18th – 27th January
The 4 Greylags, and up to 11 Little Egrets are still present on Tresco but there have been no recent reports of the Marsh Harrier or the Spoonbill, nor of the Great Spotted Woodpecker on St. Mary’s.
Large numbers of Kittiwakes were seen in The Roads until 23rd and dispersed thereafter.
The 1st winter Bonaparte’s Gull was last seen on St. Mary’s at Porth Cressa on 19th when there was also a 1st winter Iceland Gull at Porthlow. On 20th the Iceland Gull was still at Porthlow and a dead Striped Dolphin was found at Little Porth.
On the 21st two 1st winter Iceland Gulls, a 1st winter Kumlien’s Gull & a 1st winter Glaucous Gull were seen at Porthlow, 2 Balearic Shearwaters were off Deep Point & 2 south of the Eastern Isles, and 2 Slavonian Grebes, a Black-throated & 3 Great Northern Divers were seen from Innisidgen.
The first of several trips to Tresco this week. logged on 23rd, 2 Iceland Gulls (Adult & 1st winter), 2 Kumlien’s Gulls (both 1st winter), a Whimbrel, a Knot, an Eider & 3 Great Northern Divers.
Tresco was the place to be, and on 24th both the Kumlien’s Gulls and a 1st winter Iceland Gull were still at Pentle Bay. Also recorded were 64 Gadwall, 80 Teal, a Pochard, 150 Black-headed & 6 Common Gulls, a Black-throated Diver, an Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser & a Fieldfare. On St. Mary’s an adult Iceland Gull flew over Porth Mellon and a probable 1st winter Kumlien’s Gull was at Porthlow. Given the reported decline in numbers of House Sparrows on the Mainland, a count of 216 at Trenoweth was noteworthy.
On 25th both the Kumlien’s Gulls and the 1st winter Iceland Gull were still at Pentle Bay, 2 Slavonian Grebes were off Innisidgen, an Eider was off MacFarland’s Down and 2 Raven’s were displaying over Trenoweth.
Another trip to Tresco, on 26th, proved to be best of the week when the 1st winter Bonaparte’s Gull, missing since the 19th,was seen briefly on Abbey Pool; before flying towards Pentle Bay, where it was relocated in the company of the two 1st winter Kumlien’s Gull & a 1st winter Iceland Gull. Another 1st winter Iceland Gull was seen on Abbey Pool. Also on Tresco, on the Great Pool, the Pochard numbers had risen to 8 (all drakes), the Gadwall count was up to 76, there was a drake Shoveler and a Merlin & 2 Sparrowhawks flew over. Offshore were 3 Eider & 7 Great Northern Divers.
On 27th scanning the sea from various view points on St. Mary’s produced a Black-throated & 15 Great Northern Divers, 4 Slavonian Grebes off Innisidgen and a 1st winter Iceland Gull in Watermill cove.
It was definitely a ‘Gull week’, from locations, timings and plumage details there were at least 6 white-winged gulls on the Islands (an adult & 2 x 1st winter Iceland Gulls, 2 x 1st winter Kumlien’s Gulls & a 1st winter Glaucous Gull) and a 1st winter Bonaparte’s Gull.
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11th – 17th January
The 4 Greylags, the Marsh Harrier, the Spoonbill and several Little Egrets are still present on Tresco. The Great Spotted Woodpecker is still on St. Mary’s.
Kittiwakes & Auks continue to be seen in big numbers with Balearic Shearwaters feeding with them, e.g. on Jan 11th 1020 Razorbills & 22 Balearic Shearwaters flew west past Tolman Point in a 30 minutes, 16 Balearic Shearwaters were seen off Peninnis, 3 in Porth Cressa and 4 of Deep Point. On the same day there was a Mediterranean Gull in Porth Cressa and a Little Auk past Giant’s Castle.
The Bonaparte’s Gull which had not been seen since Dec 30th was rediscovered on Plumb Island off Tresco on Jan 14th. Also on 14th the 1st winter Iceland Gull reappeared on Porthloo and a Firecrest was seen near the St. Mary’s primary school, another Firecrest was seen on Tresco where there was also a Black Redstart & 2 Great Northern Divers.
Thereafter until Jan 17th the Bonaparte’s Gull & the Iceland Gull were seen on St. Mary’s, often together at Porthloo. 2 Slavonian Grebes & a Great Northern Diver were off Innisidgen on Jan 16th.
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1st – 10th January
The 4 Greylags, the Marsh Harrier & the Spoonbill are still present on Tresco, the Harrier also being seen several times on St. Mary’s
The New Year started well with a Purple Sandpiper (now uncommon on Scilly) being seen on Porthloo beach on Jan 1st. In inter-island waters there were about 600 Kittiwakes throughout the period. Small numbers of Balearic Shearwaters were seen with them on several dates, with counts of 12 on Jan 2nd,6 on 5th & 4 on Jan 10th.
Another Scilly scarcity, a Red-throated Diver, was seen in Pentle Bay, Tresco on Jan 2nd. A first winter Iceland Gull was present on St. Mary’s from 4th to 6th. Also on 4th ‘hundreds of Auks’ were seen with the Kittiwakes & Balearic Shearwaters off Deep Point. A distant Phalarope (almost certainly Grey) was seen from Innisidgen on 5th and on 9th a Little Auk was seen near St. Mary’s quay. On 10th, on St. Mary’s, a Black Redstart was at Little Porth, a Grey Wagtail was near Holy Vale cottages, a Black-throated Diver was off Innisidgen and a male Peregrine flew past Watermill Cove.
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