St Mary's 8th October

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My first full day on Scilly. Weather was pleasant after initial damp start.

After breakfast I walked through Old Town churchyard then along the coastal path to Peninnis Head. Surprisingly few migrants around today though several Stonechats posed well at Porthcressa and there was a Wheatear further on plus some very bright Meadow Pipits.

I decided to try for the Swainsons Thrush (found yesterday) after a report came through about 11 a.m. I headed towards the 'dump clump' finding a fine White Wagtail on the way. The white flanks of the wagtail were a key id feature and there was no black on the rump. Unfortunately there were no further sightings of the thrush by 1 pm so went back to the guest house for a late lunch. 

A couple of further reports of the thrush near Old Town cafe came through later so headed back for a second attempt mid afternoon. It then gave a number of brief views in the 'standing stones' field, feeding on Pittosporum berries, only my second sighting of Swainsons in the UK following the two birds seen on Scilly with Jeremy in the late 80s. A bit too flighty to photograph though.

Walking back later in the day good views were obtained of a Yellow-browed Warbler in elms alongside the road near Carn Gwaval.

Male Stonechat

Female Stonechat

Shag

White Wagtail





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