Wildlife writer and volunteer at the Isles of Scilly Bird Group Lucy McRobert shares her favourite wildlife tips for an autumn nature visit to Scilly.

Situated 28 miles off Land’s End, we are famed for diverse, beautiful and often rare wildlife. For decades, birders and nature lovers have flocked to the archipelago. Here on the Atlantic Edge, our land is ruled by the tides and the weather, and the wildlife reflects this great meeting of the elements. Relatively few birds breed here, but those that do benefit from traditional farming methods, a lack of disturbance, few predators and obliging tearooms. Some of our Seabird colonies are of national importance.

Autumn migration is where the magic really happens. Scilly’s unique geography unites wildlife from across four continents. Hurricanes over North America come rushing across the Atlantic, bringing with them migrating birds caught in the powerful storms; whilst from Europe, Africa and Asia, Scilly can be washed by southerly and easterly winds, carrying their own avifauna towards us.

As such, autumn sees an annual influx of birders, keen to find and see the rarities that end up here. Recently, we’ve been treated to red-eyed vireo, white-rumped sandpiper, yellow-billed cuckoo, Blyth’s pipit, grey-cheeked thrush and more, and a quiet day can turn up more common migrants, like wrynecks, black redstarts or yellow-browed warblers.

The Isles of Scilly Bird Group (who are celebrating their twentieth birthday this year!), are looking forward to welcoming a buzzing community of birders back to the islands this autumn as safely as possible, and hopefully meeting some new (masked) faces, too. To help you make the most of your stay, here are their top ten birding tips for this year:

1. It’s a lovely day for boating!

St Mary’s Boatman's Association will be operating wildlife trips in the autumn to look for auks, divers, sea ducks, peregrines and Atlantic grey seals, including Fins, Flippers and Feathers trips aboard MV Sapphire. Get a new perspective on the islands, getting up close to the Eastern Isles and Norrad Rocks.

2. Stroll around St. Agnes

The most isolated of the inhabited islands, St. Agnes feels a little wilder than the rest. Top spots to check for passage migrants include Wingletang Down, Periglis Beach, the sheltered Parsonage and adjoining island of Gugh, and don’t forget Troytown Farm ice cream, Coastguards Café cream teas and a pint of Turk’s Ale.

3. Go on a guided walk

If you’re visiting for the first time or want to make the most of expert local knowledge, join one of the socially distanced guided walks that normally takes place around October with our Wild 'walk' Scilly event. Explore the islands and learn about birds, insects, coastal wildlife and the unique flora on Scilly.

4. Spend a day on tropical Tresco

Tresco is famed for the Abbey Garden, complete with tame golden pheasants. There’s plenty of wildlife on Tresco, too. Visit the birdwatching hides – the David Hunt Hide and Swarvoski Hide - overlooking the Great Pool to look for ducks, waders and potentially something rare. In recent years we’ve been treated to lesser yellowlegs and sora rail from North America.

5. Meander around St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s hosts spectacular views, sweeping beaches and tranquil nature areas like Lower Moors and Higher Moors. Even the lanes, lined with tall hedgerows and overlooking sheltered fields are great for birdwatching. Several farmers generously open trails across their land in the autumn; the Sunnyside, Tremelethen and Peninnis Farm trails offer beautiful and diverse walks, teeming with birds.

6. Be blasted in a seawatch

On wild and windy days, nothing blows away the cobwebs like a seawatch. Take a telescope or pair of binoculars out to the end of Peninnis, tuck in behind the rocks and scan the white horses for skuas, gulls and shearwaters, as well as common dolphins or even minke whale!

7. Enjoy brilliant birds (and bakewell!) on Bryher

Bryher’s cosy farms, sheltered beaches and stormy Hell Bay provide a dramatic meeting of the elements. In recent years, American species like red-eyed vireo, blackpoll warbler and solitary sandpiper have delighted birders on Bryher – and don’t forget a slice of Bakewell in the newly refurbished Olivia’s Kitchen at the Vine!

8. Soak up St. Martin’s

St. Martin’s is famous for having some of the best beaches in Britain, but what about a rose-breasted grosbeak fresh from America? The star bird of 2019 made sure that birders got plenty of exercise, as we chased it all over the island! Hike up to the Daymark to admire the view, sample local rum and vodka and visit the local eateries.

9. Get close to the Bishop Rock Lighthouse

The most south-westerly point in the UK, the impressive Bishop Rock Lighthouse towers over the Western Rocks. Take a boat trip to see it up close and search for seabirds, grey phalaropes, sea ducks, divers, Atlantic grey seals and cetaceans on the way.

10. Become a pelagic addict

Pelagics aboard MV Sapphire last five or six hours and take you out a few miles off the islands, looking for skuas, divers, phalaropes, seabirds and the odd great shearwater. There’s always a chance of seeing minke whales, common dolphins and harbour porpoise, too!

Whilst sadly there won’t be a Bird Log this year, you can stay in touch on our website and on social media. Please report your bird sightings to us, sign up to one of the local WhatsApp channels and don’t be shy to ask other birders what’s about. Exchanging bird news over coffee and cake at lunchtime is a must! You can also pick up a copy of the Bird and Natural History Review from Lyonesse House, Lower Strand, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0PS, between 10:00 – 19:00.

Now more than ever, please consider supporting the local businesses who have struggled in this unexpected year and respect local land managers' guidance when exploring. The birdwatching hides on St. Mary’s will be closed. There are signs across the islands highlighting local rules and guidelines about access, face coverings and social distancing, and you can always check online, too.

Please adhere to Government guidance when in accommodation, public places, shops and eateries and contact Visit Isles of Scilly or the local council for more information on Coronavirus guidelines.

Lucy McRobert is a wildlife storyteller, writer and the voluntary Promotions and Publicity Officer for the Isles of Scilly Bird Group, which champions birds, wildlife and birdwatching on the Isles of Scilly. We aim to inspire more people of all ages to enjoy our stunning wildlife and share their sightings and experiences, and to help local wildlife by working with local partners.