SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF at Porth Hellick!

 

A very rare sight on St Mary's!  

  There was a cold NW wind throughout the day. So, as Porth Hellick was sheltered, Tony and I arrived there just after 08.00. We there for an hour and from the hide there were 2 fem Wigeon, pair of Teal and 5 Coot. A very unusual sound was heard and in came 4 Canada Geese from a easterly direction! They all landed in the center of the pool and made there way towards the far shore. This is the first time that we have seen Canada's at Porth Hellick and they might be birds from the mainland! However, there are also 4 resident birds on Tresco and therefore we can't be 100% sure where these birds have come from.
  While we were watching the Canada's, a pale Chiffchaff was flycatching just in front of the hide. It showed well briefly for a few minutes before moving on. sure enough it turned out to be a SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF! Joe arrived shortly afterwards and told us that he had over 40 Golden Plover on the airfield.  At the latter site we saw 44 Golden Plover, including a single almost in summer plumage.

 

SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF at Porth Hellick 

 

From the top, drake Gadwall, Canada Geese and 2 fem Wigeon at Porth Hellick 

  A heavy shower moved through and when the sun reappeared we went down to Lower Moors, but the only birds of note, were a Chiffchaff calling, 12 Meadow Pipit, 9 Curlew and 5 Snipe. Tony dropped me off at home and on the way back we spotted the Buzzard over Carn Vean being mobbed by 2 Carrion Crow.
  Later, I went to town and got a 1st winter male Black Redstart, Grey and 6 Pied Wagtail at Little Porth.

 

Over 40 Golden Plover at the airfield included this summer plumage individual.  

 

Buzzard over Carn Vean