In search of Firecrests

Saturday October 17
An early decision to rescind the planned trip to Tresco - no birds - meant another relaxed start to the day. Town Harbour looked lovely from The Strand with The Scillonian edging in to moor.

Yet another lovely sunny day but the wind had a cold edge. We spent over an hour sitting at Porth Loo watching the tide lap gently in, hoping for some birds. We'd seen our first Black Redstart in the Thorofare, added another two here, struggling to add a Shag, Grey Heron and a single Oystercatcher.
Walking past Porth Loo duck pond with its multi gened Mallards, we walked up Rocky Hills to Sunnyside and down to Carreg Dhu gardens. No sign of any reported Crests but a phone call from Jackquie who was waiting for the airport bus and then, a long Moth based conversation with the Joyners. I photographed a Blackbird and a Song Thrush using my little Ixus.


After a delicious slice of Lemon Drizzle cake (recommended by the Bridges) and a drink at Longstones, we set off for Carreg Dhu again, waylaid by a Moth chat with the cafe owner. He invited us to view his trap release at 9.30 a.m. but that's a bit early for us to get up there without transport. Just as Pam was entering the garden gate, I saw a small bird fly across the track into a large Sycamore. Close inspection of flitting specks showed, not just one, but two Firecrests and a few Chiffchaffs. Excellent. Spider was summoned to drive us home, he was just a hundred yards down the road.