Birders heads dropped today on Scilly when news broke of Europe’s fourth Siberian Blue Robin on the Orkney Islands. Surely Scilly would strike back, but by dusk weary birders were returning back to Hugh Town with only a smattering of sub-rarities to show for their efforts.
A Rough-legged Buzzard took up residence on St Martin’s, having crossed several islands in a move reminiscent of the Short-toed Eagle in 1999. Its origin remains unknown but a transatlantic crossing seems as likely as an arrival from northern Europe given recent weather patterns.
Yesterday’s Blackpoll Warbler failed to show today on St Agnes, but a Shorelark, Short-toed Lark and a couple of Dotterels did. The Rosy Pastor remained on Bryher while the Magpie stayed on St Martin’s for what is now its seventh month. At least two Wryneck remain on St Mary’s.
Birders on St Mary’s looking for the Rough-legged Buzzard were rewarded with a Ring-necked Duck (photo above). Originally found on the sea off Watermill it soon moved to the St Agnes Pool. This is the 16th record of this Neararctic Duck for Scilly, with reports being annual since 1998.
Additional information from Marcus Lawson.