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.

Ham Wall Dusky Warbler is early Christmas present

 Early morning steak out

Show time

Dusky Warbler (Thanks to Matt Scott)

 New Avalon Hide

 New Avalon Hide

Distant Marsh Harrier

 Glastonbury Tor

Dusky Bench

Would I risk the M5 three days before Christmas ? After a helpful tweet from Matt Scott I decided to risk it as he said the traffic around Cribbs Causeway was actually ok given the time of year.

The new toilets were a welcome find on the car park before heading up the main path. After passing the first viewing platform you turn left over a bridge then right up a muddy patch. When you have reached the turning for the new hide carry straight on for another 100 yards where you will see the pictured bench. If you reach this far you would have found other birders. 

I hadn't seen a Dusky Warbler before however reports are always of skulking birds that are difficult to see. It certainly started that way as I didn't see anything except a Wren in the first 75 minutes. The original dozen birders increased to around thirty when the bird started calling and could then be located. The Warbler worked it's way through the habitat just over the waters edge giving some great views at times but you did have to contend with odd blocked view by tree stumps or long grass. The supercillium was quite striking whilst I made sure I got a good view of the lighter longer coloured legs. Dusky Warblers breed in Siberia in bogs and is a rare autumn vagrant to the UK.

With a skip in my stride I went up a very muddy patch to take a look at the new two storey Avalon hide. The hide is centrally located of the reed beds and allows spectacular views of the reserve but also Glastonbury Tor. Sightings included a number of Marsh Harriers, Bittern, Common Buzzard, two Great White Egret, Wigeon & Shoveler.