|
With a super-mild climate,
limitless fresh air, invigorating walks and smashing scenery in every
direction ( the whole place is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty ) the Scillies are a must see location, and for birders, there is
simply no better place to go birding in Britain in Autumn. Lying 28 miles
southwest of Lands End, with no further land until America, the Scillies
are a vital landfall for migrant birds from both east and west, and are
therefore Britain's premier site for rarities, even surpassing the
legendary Fair Isle! Now that takes some doing.
At least 426 species have
been recorded, including numerous firsts for Britain, and at least 25
species of American passerines, such as Red-eyed Vireo, Grey-cheeked
Thrush and Blackpoll Warbler. With so much dependant on the weather, you
never know what might turn up next, which adds to the excitement of
birding here and now, but annual rarities include such delights as
Wryneck, Richard's and Tawny Pipits, Bluethroat, Barred and Yellow-browed
Warblers, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Rose-coloured Starling, Common
Rosefinch and Ortolan Bunting.
A recent recce produced
Citrine Wagtail from Eastern Europe, on top of Pectoral, Spotted, and
Buff-breasted Sandpipers from North America, all at 10 yards range! And
that was a quiet week.
The excitement begins with
an exhilarating helicopter ride from Penzance, having let the train take
the strain from Nottingham station. We shall be based at the lovely 4 star
Santa Maria guest house in Hugh Town on St. Mary's, just a few minutes
walk from the quay. The quay is the hub of the archipelago, from which
small ferry boats radiate to the other inhabited 'treasure' islands of
Tresco, St. Martin's, St. Agnes and Bryher. We shall need to keep the
itinerary flexible, according to news of which birds turn up where, but we
should have plenty of time for a thorough exploration of St. Mary's, as
well as for visits to most, if not all, of the other inhabited isles,
which we shall also explore at a relaxed pace, as some of the coastal
paths require us to be moderately fit.
Time and weather
permitting, we shall also board The Sapphire on a pelagic trip from St.
Mary's quay on the look out for special seabirds like Leach's and Storm
Petrels, Manx, Great and Sooty Shearwaters, Arctic, Pomarine and Great
Skuas, and Sabine's Gull. At the end of each exciting day we shall return
to our guest house for a four course dinner and a relaxing evening looking
back at the day's highlights while anticipating the excitement of the day
to come.
Please note that to secure
this highly sought accommodation, it is advisable to book your place
before the end of November 2007. In case we are delayed for any reason,
you will need to be insured to cover the cost of alternative accommodation
and travel.
Cost £775
What the price includes:
Return trains from
Nottingham to Penzance, return flights from Penzance to St. Mary's with
British International, six nights half board en-suite accommodation, all
excursions in the Scillies, and the services of your guide.
Deposit: £300
Single supplement: £120
|
