Buff Breasted Sandpiper

Two different Buff Breasted Sandpipers in one week. The first at Davidstow airfield in North Cornwall, probably the best site anywhere to see on of these North American waders in the autumn, with juveniles turning up almost annually, Ive seen and photographed quite a few over the years and I reckon they are probably my favourite species of wader. The second in a ploughed field down near Lands end where the wife and I spent a few days in September.

Life on the ocean part 2

Two trips on the Scillonion, both in warm sunny weather, whats not to like. The wildlife from on board did not dissappoint with exceptional numbers of Shearwaters especially Cory's and Manx with a few Greats thrown into the mix , as well as the usual Gannets we also had Great Skua and a mega and lifer for me in the form of a Fea's type Petrel which was found by nearby birders, a bit distant but once picked out was obviously something different. Common Dolphins and porpoise were also spotted quite a few times. The second trip out was to see the Red Footed Booby, another mega and lifer for me , Normally found in tropical waters this was only the second recorded in Britain. After leaving the Scillonian we hopped straight onto another boat and headed out on a fifty minute trip towards the Bishops Rock lighthouse, its favoured resting place. On approach it was nowhere to be seen so some sad faces all around , we went further out and saw many Cory's Shearwaters, Dolphins and Grey Seals before trying again, but still no sign,a third try and to the skippers cedit on the fourth attempt the Booby had returned! Cheers all round to cap off a great trip.

LIfe on the ocean part 1

This summer has been a bit of an adventure out on the open seas, with a trip out of Falmouth with AK Wildlife cruises and two trips to the Isles of Scilly, one to see the Red Footed Booby which had found the Bishops Rock ighthouse to its liking. The Falmouth trip threw up some wonderful close up sightings of Common Dolphins alongside the boat as well as Rissos Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise among the many Manx Shearwaters and Gannets.