I left work at 6 p.m. and drove down to Penzance for a week on the Isles of Scilly. After an overnight sleep in the car, my alarm roused me early, and I made my way to the quay to board the Scillonian. The weather was grim, promising a bumpy crossing.
St Michael's Mount
Leaving Penzance
As we left Penzance and passed Land’s End, the birding began. A Grey Phalarope appeared briefly on the sea before flying off, followed by a Sooty Shearwater skimming along the boat. Gannets, Manx Shearwaters, and a Great Skua added to the excitement, even as the rough sea tested everyone’s stomachs.
Sooty Shearwater
Gannet
Arriving safely at St Mary’s, I headed straight to Porthcressa Bay to find a long-staying Black-necked Grebe, which was perched close to the shoreline, allowing for some excellent photos.
Black-necked grebe
After dropping off gear at my bed and breakfast, I made my way to Bant’s Carn near Telegraph, where the weather had worsened. Despite the pouring rain, I quickly connected with a cooperative Wryneck, a real highlight of the day.
Wryneck
Next stop was Newford Duck Pond, where I heard my first Yellow-browed Warblers of the year. Two birds eventually appeared, flitting energetically among the Goldcrests—photography proved tricky in the wet, but the sightings were memorable.
Yellow Browed Warbler
On my way back, a call from a local birder, Spider, brought news of a Spotted Crake at Lower Moors. I headed straight there and was rewarded with incredible views of this secretive species, seen down to just a few yards.
Soaked to the bone but thrilled with the day, it had been a cracking start to a week of Scillies birding. Roll on day two!
