Isles Of Scilly

Yesterday my Dad and I went to the Isles of Scilly for a couple of things, these were Wilson's Snipe and Blackpoll Warbler. We arrived at Sennen village at 7.30am for a brief search for the Blyth's Pipit before we had to depart from Penzance on the Scillonian 111 and as expected we didn't see the Pipit. After a dreaded two and half hour crossing we finally arrived on the St Mary's but on the crossing we had the following birds lots of Gannets, 2 Bonxies, 4+ Arctic Skua, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Puffin and 2 shearwater sp.

Once on the Islands we headed straight for Lower Moors where a Wilson's Snipe had been Present but hadn't been seen since the day before. On arrival there was plenty of Snipe one of which was showing very well but no Wilson's until a Snipe sp flew in and landed in front of the hide and there it was. A very distinctive bird by it's plumage as it was so much greyer than the supporting cast of Snipe. There was also a very confiding Greenshank present.

Next stop was the Blackpoll Warbler which in previous years had eluded us but would he make it a second time running? Well we looked for the Higher Moors trail but instead ended up in the Carreg Dhu Gardens looking at a stunning 1w Red Breasted Flycatcher which showed extremely well at times.

Then we finally found where the Blackpoll Warbler had been present and the news from people staying on the Island/Locals was that it hadn't been showing since morning and wasn't showing well but this wasn't the case. We arrived to be greeted by stunning views and towards the end it came right out in the open and down low allowing some photo oppotunitys.

We then headed back to the Carreg Dhu Gardens for some lunch and as soon as we put down our bags a superb Song Thrush flew and fed out of our hands. A few more great views were obtained of the R B Fly before we headed back to Lower Moors to try and get another view of the Wilson's Snipe however just as we entered the hide we heard news of a Pallas's Warbler just opposite to where we were. We ran over but there was no sign however we did have a cracking Siskin which showed to 10ft.

Then we returned home on the boat after a cracking day out on the Scilly's, the only thing I regret is not staying over there because the birds were extremely tame and it was a shame about the light. Therefore I was shooting all of the pics at a shutter speed of 160 or less which means it is crap for action shots which gives blurry shots.

To see my pics from the Scilly's click on the link below.

http://pic6.piczo.com/leefullers-birdphotography/?g=47474109