Born lucky....The Red-footed Booby

Red-footed Booby

Pereched high

Full boat enjoying the Booby

Corys Shearwater

Feeding frenzy

In August, during the pelagic season on the enchanting Isle of Scilly, a surprising event took place. On the 7th of August, a second summer Red-footed Booby was sighted and photographed, delighting the group of birders on a boat. This marked only the second recorded instance of this species in the UK, the first being in 2016 when one was found ill in Sussex. Typically, these boobies are found in the tropical oceans of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian.

The birding community went into overdrive, organising special charters to the islands. Daily boats set out to the Bishops Rock lighthouse where the bird seemed to return daily. I observed from a distance throughout the summer, knowing it wouldn't stay until my weekly break at the end of October.

As expected, sightings became less frequent. Some weeks passed without any sightings, including the week prior. Realistically, I thought the chances were no better than 2-3%. I was somewhat surprised when a message in the WhatsApp group announced a final trip to search for the Booby the following day, leaving St Mary's at 3 pm. The timing was encouraging, as late afternoon offered a slightly better chance. The downside was the lingering large swell from the recent storm. I had sworn never to do another pelagic trip; they made me feel so ill.

Although I really wanted to give myself a chance of seeing the bird, I debated whether to go or not. In the end, I dosed up with tablets and wristbands, finding myself on the quay, ready to part with my £25. There was a great atmosphere among the birders, who appeared very hopeful. As soon as we hit open water, I questioned why I was putting myself through this. People were already turning green on the boat. A few Cory's Shearwaters flew close to the boat, but my eyes were fixed on the horizon until the lighthouse came into view. Although it didn't look far, it took a good hour to navigate through the rocks and the swell.

Bob Flood subtly announced that the Booby was on the lighthouse, and the packed boat erupted into a grateful cheer. Perhaps it was going to be worth it after all. As we finally approached the lighthouse, the waves seemed to get bigger. Perched on the landing pad was the Red-footed Booby! Despite the difficult conditions, Joe Pemder did three circuits, allowing views from all angles, taking into account the lighthouse's height.

I was thrilled and would have been content to head back to St. Mary's. However, the trip was just beginning. We navigated to a massive feeding frenzy, featuring 350+ Cory's Shearwaters, 50+ Great Shearwaters, and hundreds of Gannets. Despite the conditions, I managed to take a few shots, but mostly, I just enjoyed the spectacle as best as I could, even though it felt like my stomach had dropped.

As time passed, we made a final circuit around the Booby before heading back via St. Agnes. Was it worth it? Definitely yes. If you ever catch me considering another pelagic trip, you have my permission to stop me.