SCILLY BIRDING: JOINING THE MADDING CROWD

If the Isles of Scilly are still on your list of places to visit then this book may well move them to the top of that list. If, however, you are a Scilly stalwart it is bound to bring back many happy memories.

Amongst the pages the author, Simon Davey, takes us through the trials and tribulations of his first ever visit to these magical islands, made in October 1984.

Two lifers, the infamous Scilly evening log and his first dip of the trip on the very first day will resonate with many readers but it is following Simon as each day unfolds on his quest to catch up with the new birds of the day that is most entertaining – has he chosen the right island to visit? Will there be a boat? What should he go for first? – are all questions that Simon grapples with on a daily basis, often ending with amusing results.

Birding on the islands has changed surprisingly little over the last thirty years - the nightly log is still called throughout October, the boats still carry birders to wherever the rarity of the moment is, and rare birds continue to found, the only real difference is that nowadays the ‘crowds’ are somewhat smaller than they used to be.

If you are planning a ‘Scilly season’ (mainly October) trip take this book with you, it will be a great holiday read and almost certainly mirror much of what happens during a holiday at the peak migration time on the islands, and if you’re not planning a trip, read it anyway, it will make you want to plan one in the near future.

Book reviewed by Paul Stancliffe