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The Scilly Season 2000
Perhaps it was too much to expect; a repeat of 1999. As the rain abates; the note-books and year-lists are updated, Scilly 2000 will soon be just a faded memory. Not that the magical isles didn't promise much with a long-staying Solitary Sandpiper arriving on the 22nd September, an equally twitchable Cliff Swallow from the 28th September until the 1st October and a Yellow-breasted Bunting during the same period.
But late September became 'no-show' October as birders scratched around for bits and pieces.
One species still suffering post-millenium disorientation disorder was Red-eyed Vireo, however, with good numbers making landfall in Britain. But the most popular one was netted (both literally and at Ricard Gutierrez's website) in Barcelona, Spain. The Irish should also be well pleased with their tally of Red-eyed Vireos, one of which was accompanied by that Blue-winged Warbler ! Elsewhere, the Irish also produced a Blackpoll Warbler and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Many an envious birder stuck on Scilly this autumn.
Unsurprisingly the Scillies also scored well with perhaps as many as five different Red-eyed Vireos and then a Swainson's Thrush. However, other Yankee vagrants were few and far between with just a late Buff-breasted Sandpiper, a White-rumped Sandpiper and newly-arriving Ring-necked Ducks and Blue-winged Teals.
Resident birders on Scillies won't have been disappointed with the island's first Spectacled Warbler, staying from the 15th to the 21st, but otherwise the islands could only produce the usual autumn regulars. But with Corncrake, Short-toed Lark, Red-throated Pipit, Red-backed Shrike, Wryneck, Icterine Warbler, Barred Warbler, Radde's Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas' Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Common Rosefinch, Little Bunting, Rustic Bunting, Ortolan Bunting and Rose-coloured Starling the supporting cast should not be passed off too lightly.
See another photo by Paul of this bird and also a videograb by Brian J Small on the October Round-Up Page
But if visiting birders felt cheated then spare a thought for the Pied-billed Grebe that made it all the way across the "pond" only to be snatched by a Peregrine moments after arriving !
If you didn't make it to see the rarities yourself then here they all are again. Thanks to the Scilly Bird Group for the regular updates from the log-room and to all the photographers who made Scilly 2000 an internet opportunity for birders from all corners of the globe.
See you in 2001………but will it be in Ireland ?
Special thanks to Paul Stancliffe and The Isles of Scilly Bird Club for this photo.
