Scillies Day 19 (Wednesday 16th Oct)

Hello

Today saw a shift in the wind to a strong south-westerly, the typical wind direction for this part of the world.  Wall to wall sunshine ensured there were many insects on the wing and the butterflies still included Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood, Comma and Small Copper.

I tried an early morning sea-watch session from Peninnis Head but apart from plenty of  Gannets, a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a hunting Merlin didn't see much of note.  I then took yet more photos of the long-staying Snow and Lapland Buntings and wandered in to Old Town Churchyard to yet again not see the Grey-cheeked Thrush!

Meeting up with Eleanor and the two collies for brunch at the Old Town Café; Eleanor had managed to see a couple of Black Redstarts on her travels.

We then meandered around St Mary's and managed to notch up at least five Yellow-browed Warblers, a Jack Snipe, a Sparrowhawk, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 3-4 Grey Wagtails, 10 Greenshank, a Whimbrel, another Black Redstart, a Siskin, a Kingfisher and still a few Swallows and a House Martin.  Small numbers of Wheatear, Chiffchaff and Blackcap persisted.

Regards

Neil M

 

Another 'headstone'

Robin!

 

Song Thrushes.  The first

bird was consuming 

Palm Tree flowers/buds.

 

Adult male of the

local Scillonian race of

Blackbird (minor plumage

and vocal differences to

the mainland birds).

 

First year male

Blackbird.

 

Yummy Blackberries.

Just need some apple

crumble to add to the

mix!