Isles of Scilly - 6th to 7th October 2020

Tuesday was one of those days where it felt that effort wasn't fully rewarded with any quality.  Apart from a brief Common Rosefinch at the New Point Quarry, there wasn't much to shout about.  The wind was still strong from the west making meanderings a little cumbersome.

The day's only notable sightings were of a lone Sand Martin again associating with around eight Swallow in the open area next to the Old Town Church.  A small group of Siskin flew over while wandering around Normandy.

Wednesday was so much better, the wind had eased feeling a lot milder than the past few days.  The low sun illuminating through the high cloud.  At last, it felt Scillonian again.  Heading towards Porth Hellick, a juvenile Ring Ouzel flew past me close to the airfield turning circle, pausing briefly before heading away.  Two Wheatear were present in the area.

Porth Hellick itself held the juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper that had arrived the previous afternoon, viewed through the gap to the left of the Stephen Sussex hide.  A Jack Snipe was bobbing away toward the back of the pool.  A Merlin flew briskly across Porth Hellick bay.

A vocal Yellow-browed Warbler was present on the Porth Hellick loop trail.  Two Whinchat were enjoying the calm conditions a little further along the track.

In the afternoon, after having no joy with the Swainson's in deteriorating weather, I headed back for a break before spending just over an hour on a short walk that saw a Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, and Kingfisher in the Old Town bay.

It's starting to feel rare again.