Spring Wildlife on the Isles of Scilly 4th–11th May 2026

 

Atlantic Puffins

 

Spring Wildlife on the Isles of Scilly

4–11 May 2026

 

A week of sunshine, calm seas and outstanding wildlife made for a memorable spring tour of the Isles of Scilly. Based on St Mary’s, our Naturetrek group that I was leading explored St Agnes, Bryher, Tresco and St Martin’s, enjoying some of the finest birdwatching and scenery Britain has to offer.

 

The trip began with a smooth crossing from Penzance, watching Bottlenose Dolphins, Manx Shearwaters, Gannets, Auks and a Great Skua. Throughout the week, seabird safaris around Annet, the Western Rocks and the Northern Isles provided unforgettable close encounters with Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots and nesting Fulmars, while Atlantic Grey Seals were a constant presence around the islands.

 

Spring migrants added excitement each day. Highlights included excellent views of a Woodchat Shrike on Bryher, a Dartford Warbler on St Martin’s and five Turtle Doves feeding on St Mary’s. A brief but rewarding sighting of a Golden Oriole on the final full day rounded off an impressive list of migrant birds.

 

Away from the birding, visitors enjoyed the islands’ colourful spring flora, peaceful coastal walks and welcoming cafés. Memorable moments included lunch overlooking the sea at St Agnes, Red Squirrels around the Abbey Gardens Café on Tresco, and panoramic views from the St Martin’s Daymark across to mainland Cornwall.

 

The final days were spent exploring St Mary’s wetlands and coastline, where Reed Warblers, Ringed Plovers, Little Egrets and Whimbrel added to the week’s wildlife tally. As Scillonian III carried us back to Penzance beneath blue skies, there was a strong sense that the Isles of Scilly had once again delivered an exceptional spring wildlife experience.

 

Tour highlights: Puffin, Woodchat Shrike, Dartford Warbler, Turtle Dove, Golden Oriole, Bottlenose Dolphin and Atlantic Grey Seals.

This tour will run again next May, 3rd-10th 2027. All details can be found here on the Naturetrek website.

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

 

 

 At the dock in Penzance

 

Leaving Mount's Bay

Shags on rocks as we approached St.Mary's
 

Gig activity from the many entrants to the World Pilot Gig Championships

Peninnis Head

Our hotel, The Star Castle

 

Perconger Quay St.Agnes

Painted Lady butterfly on Red Valerian

 

Atlantic Puffins

 Razorbills

Grey Heron amongst the granite

 Pentle Bay, Tresco

Barn Swallow in a barn on Bryher

Woodchat Shrike also on Bryher

 

Turtle Doves on St.Mary's

 Atlantic Grey Seals

Reed Warbler at Lower Moors, St.Mary's

Shelduck at Porth Hellick

 

Giants castle, St.Mary's

Poppies in fields near Porthloo

Scillonian 111 arriving at Hugh Town

Scillonian 111tied up

Sunset from the Star Castle ramparts
 

Grey seals, courtship and mating. Cornwall, November 2025

 Having spent 2 and a half hours counting, photographing and generally monitoring the Grey seals we were just finishing recording all the data for the Seal Research Trust when I noticed a boat offshore with people looking our way in a manner that made me think ..."something's up"!

A quick dash to the cliff overlook and I saw what they were peering at... there was a pair of seals showing really well and in courtship mode.

Fortunately for me and my camera the light was behind me and the seals were looking amazing. 

I was in a field above the cliffs at quite a distance from them and I was using a Nikon mirrorless camera on silent shutter with a 500mm lens and well aware not to disturb them. 

A few times one of them would glance my way but they were more interested in each other.

They stayed in the same area from 15:39 hrs when I first saw them until 16:20 hrs when another courting pair swam amongst them and the males checked each other out.

I took many photos so here is a small section of them.... still lots!