Scilly Season Day 3 - Day of the Dusky

Dusky Warbler

Dusky twitch at Lower Moors

Pied Flycatcher

Pied Flycatcher

View over Old Town

The Garrison

Stonechat

Firecrest

Love this birds

Stonechat

Great Northern Diver

Wheatear

Stonechat

Stunning weather

Worst places for afternoon tea & cake

A busy day started with a twenty-five minute run around the Garrison to get the blood pumping. With the waters still looking rough we opted to explore St Marys further with a long walk around the west coast.

A Pied Flycatcher was the first attraction at the very local Porthcressa which was sheltered and in the same corner of the beach there were 2 Wheatear, 3 Stonechat, Rock & Meadow Pipits & another Black Redstart. Over head I picked up a Peregrine & a Sparrowhawk.

The Squire continued his own good form by finding yet another Leach’s & 2 Balearic Shearwaters. We then headed on to the Garrison which was a brilliant walk. We recorded at least 10 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear & a steady flow of Gannets.

The afternoon started well as were heading towards Lower Moors when a Dusky Warbler was reported on the pager at the same location.  We had arrived within five minutes but as per these species no sign. After a bit of patience & hunting another Dusky Warbler was reported the other side of the reserve, this time I picked up the bird quickly also adding a Willow Warbler to the trip list. As we headed back across Lower Moors our timing was perfect as the first Dusky showed well just off the path. 

We then headed on round the costal path but were drawn into the tea shop ! A fine cup of Earl Grey & slice of Lemon Drizzle were demolished whilst watching a pair of Kestrel & the local Sparrow over looking the stunning bay.

Our yomp north west tracked the very edge of the island up and down on some tough terrain at times giving us amazing views of Tresco, St Martins then the outer islands. The best bird we found was a summer plumage Great Northern Diver but there were a handful of Curlew, many Shags & Oystercatchers.

As we edged towards the very top of the island two Firecrest showed brilliantly right next to the path. Whilst seeing a Firecrest isn’t unusual at this time of year what was brilliant was how close we could watch them.

Our final birds of the day were three Siskin, 20 Collared Dove and a Peregrine.

After day three the trip list was standing at 63. A cheeky pint at the bird count ended another very busy day.