randombirder

A slightly better day weatherwise - the wind had relented somewhat but there was still a stiff breeze blowing.  A bonus couple of hours sunshine felt warm in sheltered areas. A few interesting sightings today started with a Merlin shooting over Porthcressa beach.   Heading down to the Old Town cemetery where around a dozen Swallow were flying around along with a single Sand Martin .  A male Blackcap flew into cover. Heading up toward Longstones where the six long-staying Pink-footed Goose were grazing in a field adjacent to Sandy Lane. Things began to pick up a bit down toward Porth Hellick where a Whinchat was seen along the trail. Nine Crossbill were seen flying into pines opposite the Stephen Sussex hide. Migrants were still very thin on the ground but three Wheatear at Giant's Castle and one at Penninis were the first sightings of the trip.  A small flock of Siskin scurried through towards Porth Hellick. A Kingfisher arrowed across the Old Town bay...

The days are flashing by and we're into the fourth day already.  It was a bright morning.  I had planned to catch the 9am ferry to Agnes for the Blue-winged Teal but massively overslept. What a result that was. The teal had relocated to Porth Hellick. I started my morning walk along the Penninis Head coastal path.  There was very little going on but the views as always were stunning in the bright morning light.  I made my way round pausing for a while to view the rocks in the hope that the blue rock thrush might make an appearance. Giving up after 20 minutes, I made my way down toward the woodland track that runs along to the cemetery.  A bird burst out of the Laurel and disappeared back in.  It seemed to be grey in appearance so I stepped back to have a look. The bird popped out - I was astonished to be gazing at a RED-EYED VIREO . It showed ridiculously well - pausing out in the open allowing the increasing crowd to enjoy this American passeri...