Isles of Scilly in Spring.... an 8 day tour of the islands in April 2024

Purple Heron

I'm a bit late getting this blog written as it's been a busy time with lots of photographs to edit.

This was my second time leading on the Scillies for Naturetrek and it was a fantastic week with super weather and friendly guests. We managed to visit all the inhabited off-islands, tied in with wildlife watching trips to the Western rocks, Bishops Rock lighthouse, Annet & Mincarlo.

The auks were actively breeding with views of courting, mating and nesting Puffins, Razorbills & Guillemots.

We walked along beaches, lanes, fields and rocky tors but all at a reasonable pace seeking out wildlife, views and cafe's on the way!

Our base was at the Schooners Hotel in Hugh Town on St.Mary's and we all agreed that it was an excellent stay with super food, comfortable rooms & friendly staff.

We concentrated on the general birds of the islands and also noted butterflies, caterpillars & flora during our walks.

I'm going to post a lot of photos instead of writing as I'm better at photography!

All visits to the islands are advertised on the Naturetrek website and here is a link....

https://www.naturetrek.co.uk/tours/isles-of-scilly

Despite the time of year there wasn't a massive number of rarities turning up but a few Purple Herons, a Woodchat Shrike and a Black Kite were notable.

At least 2 Golden Orioles were present but they gave us the run around so no photos!

I make no excuse for posting several photos of the Purple Heron as I did try hard to get all of our group in a good viewing position for it!

Purple Heron

Purple Heron

Purple Heron

Purple Heron

 

 

Woodchat Shrike at Porth Hellick

Woodchat Shrike at Porth Hellick

 

Black Kite over Carreg Dhu

 

Naturetrek clients afloat!

Hurtigruten cruise liner in the bay

Hurtigruten cruise liner in the bay

Speaks for itself!

Peninnis Head

One of the many Scilly Wrens.

One of the many Scilly Wrens.

 

Meadow Pipit at the Garrison

Song Thrush also at the Garrison

Oak Eggar moth caterpillar on St.Martin's

Rosette of Aeonium on wall on St.Martin's

St.Martin's

St.Martin's

Our group on St.Martin's

 

Guillemot

Sandwich Terns

Atlantic Puffin

Atlantic Puffin

Razorbill

 

Guillemots

Guillemots

Grey Seals (all taken from a distance with 500mm lens)

Purple Sandpipers at the base of Bishops Rock lighthouse

Oystercatcher & Greenshank

Wheatear

Bishops Rock lighthouse

 

Risso's Dolphin from the Scillonian

Atlantic Puffins on Annet

Grey Seal (all taken from a distance with 500mm lens)

Grey Seals (all taken from a distance with 500mm lens)

Grey Seals (all taken from a distance with 500mm lens)

Razorbills & Guillemots on Mincarlo

Sunset from the harbour wall on St.Mary's.