Heatwave and Scilly memories

Well, the heatwave continues here in Adelaide. Yesterday the temperature reached 38.9C (104F)- not quite into the 40s. We have similar temperatures forecast for today, so not a day to go out birding!! A good friend of mine has been regaling us with stories of her recent trip to Isles of Scilly on her blog. I used to visit the islands almost every autumn and Jenny's posts have brought back some memories that I thought I'd share. Situated 28 miles SW of Land's End, the Scillies are in the gulf stream and therefore enjoy the mildest climate in the UK. They are also one of the first European points of call for transatlantic migrants and the last for Eastern/Siberian Migrants. This makes the islands a magnet for birders each autumn. On my last couple of visits, I had just started digital photography and digiscoping with a Nikon Coolpix 995, so you'll need to excuse the quality of some of the photos. I really love the mix of rugged coastline and quiet bays, and the walk from Old Town round the coast to Porth Hellic is one of my favourites. The footpath crosses the end of the runway, and there are traffic lights to stop walkers crossing when a plane is landing. Just past the airport is a lovely area of moorland that regularly held the odd vagrant or two. I think we were looking for a Wryneck here. This is the view from the Garrison, towards St Agnes And from St Agnes, westwards where the next landfall would be America. Just to the right of the rocks, on the horizon is Bishpop Rock Lighthouse. And here it is from the same spot, but taken though my digiscoping gear. This is Cromwell's Castle on Tresco And finally a coupls of bird photos. A Dotterel on the Golf Course, and a Snipe taken at Lower Moors. The Scillies really are a beautiful unspoilt place and I would recommend a visit if you are ever in South West England.