Birders Frustrated by Quiet Spell

Scilly birders, locals and visitors alike, have been left frustrated by one of the quietest birding spells in September in recent memory.

“Blocking” northerly winds have hindered the usual flow of migrants that pass through the islands.

The Lesser Yellowlegs, an American shorebird, remained on Tresco till mid-month and what will probably be the final Wilson’s Petrel (above) of the year was seen a few days prior. This former gross rarity is now established as being present off the islands in summer, allowing birders from all across the country to travel to Scilly and partake in pelagic trips.

While the local breeding Storm Petrels have become far and few between from these trips the past week has seen three reports of their more northerly-breeding relative, the Leach’s Petrel, a scarce bird on Scilly.

Role on October!