Killdeer (R.Mawer)
St Mary’s – A Killdeer was found at Parting Carn on Friday, 29th, where it remained for about 2-3 hours. It was also seen briefly towards dusk at Porth Minick. At the time of writing (Saturday, 30th) it had not been seen again. This great find is the first record since 2002. The two Black-necked Grebes and redhead Red-breasted Merganser remained in Hugh Town Harbour throughout. The Water Pipit remained on Porth Hellick beach throughout. There were regular sightings of Common Gulls, Black Redstarts and Firecrests. Bullfinches were still being heard and seen occasionally in Holy Vale. A Red-throated Diver appeared in Porth Mellon bay on Thursday, 14th, but only for the one day.
Tresco – Several birders made a special trip on Christmas Eve (Sunday 24th) and saw the 6 Pink-footed Geese, an Eider in Pentle Bay, 13 Wigeon on the Great Pool, a Goldeneye and two Yellow-legged Gulls on Abbey Pool and 2+ Bullfinches along Pool Road.
Gugh – One or two Short-eared Owls were present at times.
Inter-island waters – Birders on a special two-hour trip on Swordfish on Thursday, 28th saw a female Long-tailed Duck, 2 Slavonian Grebes, 2 Spoonbills, 7 Purple Sandpipers, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits and good numbers of Great Northern Divers.