Lower Moors, St Mary's - Yellow-billed Cuckoo!!

Another mega!! A probable Yellow-billed Cuckoo was seen flying inland off Portmellon beach on the 2nd and apart from another tantalising report on the 3rd, it hadn't been pinned down. That all changed yesterday when it was found in sallows at Lower Moors and gave glimpses and reasonable views for many! I managed to get a couple of great 'views' amongst the scrum on the narrow path by the 'Tin Hut' and then from the roadside through a scope but desperately needed some kind of record shot!!

Knowing it had been seen at least twice from the viewing screen at Shooters Pool, I gave this a stake out. I Must have stood there fort a couple of hours when unbelievably, it flew in from the left and briefly landed in the trees directly opposite. Great but distant views were followed by flight and the camera was ready so a few record shots (most were out of focus) were possible. The 100-400mm lens was in use so a bit too distant for anything decent but... this will do!!

Clearly carrying food, I'm still not sure whether this is a stick insect (my first thoughts) or Hawkmoth caterpillar?  Whatever, the yellow bill and plumage features are distantly there to remember the moment!!

Yessssss, second lifer of the trip! Scope views of a Red-throated Pipit still in summer plumage, completed another classic Scilly day!