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Purple Heron
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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!
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Purple Heron
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| Purple Heron |
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| Purple Heron |
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| Purple Heron | |
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| Woodchat Shrike at Porth Hellick |
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| Woodchat Shrike at Porth Hellick | |
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| Black Kite over Carreg Dhu |
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Naturetrek clients afloat!
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Hurtigruten cruise liner in the bay
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Hurtigruten cruise liner in the bay
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Speaks for itself!
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Peninnis Head
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| One of the many Scilly Wrens. |
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| One of the many Scilly Wrens. | |
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Meadow Pipit at the Garrison
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Song Thrush also at the Garrison
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Oak Eggar moth caterpillar on St.Martin's
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| Rosette of Aeonium on wall on St.Martin's |
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| St.Martin's |
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| St.Martin's |
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| Our group on St.Martin's | |
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| Guillemot |
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Sandwich Terns
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Atlantic Puffin
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| Atlantic Puffin |
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| Razorbill | |
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| Guillemots |
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| Guillemots |
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| Grey Seals (all taken from a distance with 500mm lens) |
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Purple Sandpipers at the base of Bishops Rock lighthouse
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Oystercatcher & Greenshank
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| Wheatear |
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| Bishops Rock lighthouse | |
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Risso's Dolphin from the Scillonian
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Atlantic Puffins on Annet
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Grey Seal (all taken from a distance with 500mm lens)
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| Grey Seals (all taken from a distance with 500mm lens) |
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| Grey Seals (all taken from a distance with 500mm lens) |
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| Razorbills & Guillemots on Mincarlo |
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Sunset from the harbour wall on St.Mary's.
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