Scilly pelagic.......

24-26 Aug - A trip to the SW to look for seabirds, in particular Shearwaters, that have been seen in good numbers this summer. Crossing from Penzance to Scilly on the Scillonian, several hundred Manx Shearwaters seen, with a distant Cory's and a distant Great Shearwater also logged, both showing their distinctive flight actions. The pelagic trip itself from Scilly was a little disappointing, in that a single Cory's and no Greats were seen (recent weeks have given regular close views of both on these outings) but the highlight was excellent close views of 2 superb adult Sabine's Gulls, together with 20-30 Storm Petrels, Great and Arctic Skuas, more Manxies and 2 Sooty Shearwaters. A Black Tern also flew by together with Common and Arctic Terns. In retrospect a trip earlier in August would probably be better for the large Shearwaters, but northerly and easterly winds prior to our trip probably did not help. Porthellick pool on St. Mary's held a flock of 8 Greenshank, also a flyby Kingfisher, and 2 Wheatears were on the airfield. My quest for a good look at a Great Shearwater in the UK continues!.....