Isles of Scilly - Day One
Arriving onto the Isles can invariably be a challenge, particularly in October when the weather can cause havoc with the flight connections. Flying is always my preference to the Scillonian despite the cost and the potential on missing out on a seabird or cetacean bonanza.
The last couple of days have seen fog rolling onto the Isles and the furthest tip of the south-west mainland. The drive down was smooth and without incident but the patches of fog en route indicated that trouble may be looming through the murk.
And so it came to pass that on arrival, it was no surprise to find that all flights were grounded due to the fog that had set in for the past couple of days.
A quick phone call and a quicker dash down to the Lighthouse Quay where a jet-boat (without a jet) was waiting to spin us across the swell to St Mary's. A spectacular lone drake Eider glided past the Quay.
It was a great feeling to be back. A late afternoon walk routed passed Portmellon and Porthcressa Beaches and up to the golf course. There were a few things about, with a group of waders on Porthloo that included a Bar-tailed Godwit, a group of Dunlin, Ringed Plover, and a single Grey Plover. Two juvenile Northern Wheatear were seen at Porthloo and the golf course.
A Spotted Flycatcher was seen sallying for insects in pines on the north side of the golf course, and nine Swallow flew through on the way back.
The last couple of days have seen fog rolling onto the Isles and the furthest tip of the south-west mainland. The drive down was smooth and without incident but the patches of fog en route indicated that trouble may be looming through the murk.
And so it came to pass that on arrival, it was no surprise to find that all flights were grounded due to the fog that had set in for the past couple of days.
A quick phone call and a quicker dash down to the Lighthouse Quay where a jet-boat (without a jet) was waiting to spin us across the swell to St Mary's. A spectacular lone drake Eider glided past the Quay.
The ride was choppy but exhilarating. Seabirds were few in number apart from the small groups of Gannet. Two Great Skua and a Razorbill were seen close to the boat providing a bit of interest. A Dolphin sp. briefly passed by and a small pod of Harbour Porpoise rolled through in the distance.
It was a great feeling to be back. A late afternoon walk routed passed Portmellon and Porthcressa Beaches and up to the golf course. There were a few things about, with a group of waders on Porthloo that included a Bar-tailed Godwit, a group of Dunlin, Ringed Plover, and a single Grey Plover. Two juvenile Northern Wheatear were seen at Porthloo and the golf course.
A Spotted Flycatcher was seen sallying for insects in pines on the north side of the golf course, and nine Swallow flew through on the way back.
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