The Isles of Scilly, an archipelago of 140 islands scattered 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall in the Atlantic Ocean, are renown for being one of the world’s richest locations for marine wildlife.

This year aboard the MV Sapphire local tripper boat, visitors were treated to some of the best seabird sightings for over two decades. The islands are an established destination for birders and wildlife lovers. Already popular with those wanting a UK break, away from the hustle and bustle of ‘the mainland’, visitors flock to the islands to experience a total immersion in nature and the great outdoors. Wildlife is integral to life on the Islands and the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust works year-round to ensure that Scilly’s special wildlife and wild places are protected for future generations.

Image credit: Porth Askin, St. Agnes - Ed Marshall

The isles are famed for seabirds in particular and host a few pairs of nesting Kittiwakes, hundreds of auks including the charismatic Puffin, and have recently seen the return of nesting Manx Shearwaters, following the success of the Seabird Recovery Project. Rare and vagrant species seen recently include Fea’s Petrels, a few Scopoli’s Shearwaters and in 2020, a Zino’s Petrel. Spring and autumn are outstanding times to admire an influx of birds including some incredibly rare species with recent highlights including a Belted Kingfisher, an Egyptian Vulture and a Blackburnian Warbler.

Image credit: Kittiwake in flight - @JoePender

2023 July was the beginning of an extraordinary season, as recorded and experienced by local business ‘Scilly Pelagics’. Lead by international seabird expert Bob Flood and skippered by Joe Pender aboard the MV Sapphire, Scilly Pelagics has operated pelagic trips out of St. Mary’s since 2000 and has subsequently focused on seabird photography and a shark tagging research program. A flurry of sightings in July included 68 Wilson’s Storm Petrel’s, 380 European Storm Petrels, 1,810 Great, 5,400 Cory’s and 217 Sooty Shearwaters, two Long-tailed and four Arctic Skuas, five Scopoli’s shearwaters three Sabine’s Gulls and incredibly a South Polar Skua.

Image credit: A Wilsons Petrel on water - @JoePender

Several rare species made Scilly home this year including both a Parula Warbler and at least two Bobolink, however one which made national headlines, was a rare Red-footed Booby. Whilst this bird was not a first for the UK, it was the first to not immediately require medical assistance from its strenuous travels. Far from a one-hit-wonder, the bird returned and made the iconic Bishop Rock lighthouse its resting place for a further few weeks, prompting over 140 birdwatchers to travel to the islands in one day. Just a fortnight later, an equally rare Brown Booby was also found on the lighthouse, a truly unique experience for those lucky enough to be present.

Image credit: Bishop Rock Lighthouse

Birds are not the only cause for excitement. Also spotted in 2023 were Cuvier’s Beaked Whale, a variety of more common cetaceans and several huge Atlantic Bluefin Tuna broils. On a more frequent basis, the Isles of Scilly is one of the best places in the UK to enjoy cetaceans. Dolphins, whales, and porpoises are spotted all year round, with regular sightings of Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, and even Risso's Dolphins. Sightings of even bigger species like Humpback Whales can be seen sporadically at any time of year, but are most frequently seen in the winter months, alongside Fin Whales.

Image credit: Humpback Whale - @JoePender

Scilly is considered regionally important for Atlantic grey seals in the southwest of England. The population fluctuates between 360 and 700 individuals throughout the year, making up part of the much larger Celtic Sea population. Grey seals haul themselves onto rocks and beaches, often in large numbers, to rest, breed, and digest their food. You can see them easily around the Isles of Scilly on bays including including Pelistry on St. Mary's, Great Bay on St. Martins and Great Par on Bryher, or on a boat out to sea on the Eastern Isles or Western Rocks.

Image credit: Seal life at Western Rocks

Did you know?

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust look after around half of the Isles of Scilly, making sure that Scilly stays special. They help wildlife thrive and provide opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy nature. They exist to protect the islands unique heritage, particularly its native wildlife, ensuring that the environment can be enjoyed by all. As well as managing around 700ha of land, they monitor and conserve important species, from seabirds and seals to bats and rare plants. They provide more than 85km of paths around ten islands, so that people can safely explore, and they protect the local archaeology, including over 170 Scheduled Monuments, working with local people and visitors to make Scilly more sustainable. www.ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk 

Image credit: A view of the Daymark on St. Martin's by Ed Marshall

Tours and safaris

Scilly Pelagics run twice a week in June, July, August, September, priced at £50. Booking is not required, pay on board www.scillypelagics.com

St Agnes Boating, skippered by John Peacock, offer a once-weekly wildlife safari, where a ranger from the Wildlife Trust is onboard ‘The Spirit of St Agnes’. This is usually Jacyln Pearson, the Conservation Manger who led the Seabird Recovery Project in 2013, which has ensured St. Agnes and connecting island of Gugh, has remained rat-free and therefore a safe breeding site for birds, for the last 10 years. www.stagnesboating.co.uk

The best way to experience our magical sea and birdlife is during ten days of exploration across the Isles during the Walk Scilly Festival in April (11th to the 20th). Expect to be amazed with spellbounding sea safaris and unique wildlife tours. More here.