17-23 October, 2026
£1,999, single supplement £100, deposit £350
BOOK NOW Call: 0800 999 3036
www.oriolebirding.com
After the success of last year’s trip, we’re once again running a Bird Watching Readers’ Holiday to the magical Isles of Scilly, led by the experts at Oriole Birding.
The Isles of Scilly are renowned the world over as a migration hotspot, and as one of the best places in the Western Palearctic to see species from ‘across the pond’. October has long been the traditional ‘Scilly Season’, but with less people visiting these days, there is a greater opportunity for finding our own good birds.
Unlike many migration watchpoints, weather is less critical here for producing something of interest. Classic fast tracking Atlantic depressions might dump a Nearctic mega, but each year Scilly also receives a plethora of American shorebirds too, such as annual Pectoral and Buff-breasted Sandpipers and American Golden Plover. Scarcities such as Dotterel, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper often appear too, and we will be grilling any wader flocks for White-rumped, Semipalmated or Baird’s Sandpiper.
Passerines are high on the agenda, with late movers and shakers such as Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed and Pallas’s Warblers, Little Bunting and even Red-flanked Bluetail all possibilities. Firecrest and Barred Warbler are expected and of course some top American land birds can also reach Scilly – Northern Waterthrush, Red-eyed Vireo, Black and White, Yellow and Blackpoll Warblers being some of the more regular. Who knows what will make landfall during our visit? You can expect to see around 120 species.
Tour information
Tour Leader: Neil Glenn.
Tour description: A lot of walking is required to get the most from your holiday. The terrain is mostly easy with much of the walking on roads, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is required. Expect some potentially long days in the field and several inter-island boat trips. We don't use vehicular transport so you will need to be able to walk 6-7 miles per day.
Group size: 11 plus leader.
What’s included: Six nights en suite accommodation on a B&B basis, evening meals, return flights and services of leaders. Pelagic boat trip also included.
Not included: Transport to/from Penzance and any overnight stay that may be required, travel insurance, drinks and any items of a purely personal nature. Lunches are not included and will be sandwiches purchased each day from local shops. The various inter-island boat trips are not included, expect about £10 per person per trip.
What to bring: Binoculars, scope (optional), camera, clothing for all weathers, walking boots, small rucksack, alarm clock, seasickness pills and field guide.
