Isles of Scilly - 15th October 2020

It was a glorious day today.  The sun was shining, the sky blue, and the wind had dropped.  Wasn't sure where to stroll today so headed along the path towards Penninis from Porthcressa.  Both Redwing and Fieldfare were features today with both species searing overhead in reasonable numbers.  Swallow were pulsing through Porthcressa Bay.

Strolling slowly along the track bumping into a few birders along the way, my mind was made up for a trip to St. Agnes, and there were a couple of incentives.

An about-turn and just a few metres along the track, a stonking male Ring Ouzel scampered along the path halting our progress - adorning a gorgeous gorget and shimmering wings.

A little further just before the allotments, a vocal Yellow-browed Warbler busied itself in the morning sun. 

Piling onto a packed boat to St. Agnes proved that the American Buff-bellied Pipit was a popular bird that wasn't too difficult to pin down at the stunning Horse Point.  While associating with a group of Meadow Pipit, its high-pitched monosyllabic call was a big give away, landing frequently around the assembled physically-distanced crowds.  A Wheatear was also present there.

The pale lores, and relatively uniform crown, nape and mantel were particularly distinctive.

The rest of the day was extremely relaxing.  St. Agnes for me is the most picturesque of the islands with stunning views across the island particularly from Wingletang Down.  It is also where David Bradshaw stays year-on-year so my tradition of tea and biscuits sitting out in the garden was a real joy.

A Yellow-browed Warbler called nearby, a Great-Spotted Woodpecker flew from woodland along Old Lane, and a Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit were present on Porth Killier.