I was up at 7 am this morning, relieved that the rain had finally stopped. The plan was to head over to the Garrison to track down the Melodious Warbler, discovered yesterday, followed by a morning’s birding on Bryher.
Walking up towards Buzza Tower, I had a close encounter with a Peregrine, which zipped past me just as I was photographing the town. The views from Buzza Hill over Hugh Town were stunning, and on the descent towards Porthcressa Beach, the Black-necked Grebe was still present in Porthcressa Bay, along with a juvenile Mediterranean Gull.
Hugh Town from Buzza Hill
Walking down from Buzza Hill towards Porthcressa beach
Black Necked Grebe
Meeting up with Higgo in town, we headed to the Garrison and soon connected with the Melodious Warbler, flitting happily around gardens in Sallyport.
Melodious Warbler
A real treat, as it had been a few years since I last saw one. A Pied Flycatcher and Reed Warbler were also present in the gardens, adding to the morning’s excitement. From there, we moved down to the harbour and took the boat over to Bryher for more birding.
On arrival, we went straight to the old post office, where a Common Rosefinch was basking in the sun.
Common Rosefinch
The campsite offered more than just birds, with plenty of butterflies on the wing, including Small Copper, Peacock, and Red Admiral, while seven Whinchats were noted around the area.
Small Copper
Peacock
Red Admiral
7 Whinchats were around the campsite
Moving on to Shipmanhead Down, a male Snow Bunting posed spectacularly on the top path, allowing views from just a few feet away. The views from Shipmanhead Down were breathtaking—Scilly’s tranquillity is truly unmatched.
Snow Bunting
Higgo on his favourite island, Bryher
Looking over towards Tresco
After leaving Bryher and dropping Higgo back on St Mary’s, I caught the next boat to St Agnes for an evening’s birding. My target: two elusive Red-eyed Vireos at the parsonage. Sitting on the steps across from the parsonage, I soon glimpsed the first vireo, followed by the second. Both were incredibly active, but I managed a couple of decent record shots.
Red Eyed Vireo
Continuing around the island, I stopped at the coastguards for brilliant views of a Red-backed Shrike.
Red-backed Shrike
As the sun began to dip, I made my way to the big pool, where Lesser Yellowlegs and Curlew Sandpiper were showing exceptionally well.
Lesser Yellowlegs
Curlew Sandpiper
I couldn’t resist capturing a few island shots—St Agnes remains one of my favourite Scilly islands. The day drew to a close with a spectacular sunset, capping off a truly memorable day of birding.
