Scilly in August

[Joe Ray]

It's official! I'm going to the Isles of Scilly! Late August, for a week, from the 23rd. My family and I will be camping at The Garrison, St Mary's. So what should I be looking for, where, and how?

Thanks,
Jyothi

[dan pointon]

So what should I be looking for, where, and how?

Thanks,
Jyothi

With your binoculars, and possibly your scope ;) The Garrison itself would be a good place to start, though in August you'd be perhaps better checking any areas of mud/beach for waders. Have a scan here:
http://www.scillybirding.co.uk/

D

[josh jones]

There is a good playground in the campsite, but the beaches are nice - porthloo has some nice rocks to put your sand castles on. Don't sulk when the grown ups are going round the museums - its all part of the holiday.

Remarkable.

[joe cockram]

Make sure you get on a pelagic or two, late august is a good time for large shearwaters, possibly Wilsons Petrel and if you're incredibly lucky Feas Petrel. Check the sightings board behind the Pilots Gig for dates and times. Rare landbirds could turn up anywhere, just walk all over the islands covering as much ground and variety of habitats as possible. Its an ideal time of year for Buff breasted Sandpiper so check the golf course as frequently as possible. The 'wet areas' like Lower Moors and Porthellick Pool are usually better first thing in the morning before any waders that have dropped in overnight have had the chance to clear off.

Basically it's a very underrated time of year on Scilly so be out birding as much as possible and expect anything.

joe

[Andrew]

Set aside £20 for a pelagic trip. Should bag a few nice birds that way.

[Jamie D]

Hi,

I camped on the Garrison campsite last summer. The weather was great but there were loads of earwings. At any point there must have been 50 in the tent and loads made it home also in the luggage. Perhaps we just camped on a nest of them!

Jamie

[Tav94]

Hi how much is it camp at Garrison campsite.

[dbradnum]

Google "Garrison campsite" -> http://www.garrisonholidays.com/camping.htm

[Conorbirda2]

Waders and seabirds at that time of year. Definately get on a Boat trip. You will probably get Wilsons if nowt else.