SCILLY 20 YEARS ON
Not at its best but very pleasant!
Despite the blocking high producing far from ideal Scilly birding conditions, a pleasant week on St. Martin's - a very underwatched island. Best find was Yellow-browed Warbler - Woo Hoooo! Best bird was undoubtedly the Steppe Grey Shrike (a 1st for Scilly) that was re-found on St Mary's on our day of arrival after having been on St Martin's the day before! Other highlights included, Long-billed Dowitcher on Tresco (another Scilly tick for me and the first record since 1985!), and on St. Martins, RB Flycatcher, Firecest, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Peregrine, Golden Plover, Barwit, Blackwit, Little Stint, Sanderling, Snipe, Ringed Plover, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Water Rail and others!
At the end of the day, I love Scilly and have been visiting at least once a year almost every year since 1989. Birding on St Martin's was as I like it, few birders and great potential - Maybe next year.....................

Steppe Grey Shrike

Juvenile Peregrine

















Bar-tailed Godwits and Sanderling

Carrot Cake - £2.95 a slice!

RB Flycatcher at the Cricket Pitch

Friends of Little Arthur's Farm

Long-billed Dowitcher Tresco
















Scilly Shrew - Note the white-teeth and big ears












Golden Plover - one of 11 at the Daymark but
alas no AGP or better despite daily searching














Round Island from Tresco














Juvenile Swallow St Martins

The classic drinking establishment
of the 90s






















Winning View