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20th to 24th September 2018: Mushrooms & Migrants
The end of September has to be one of the most exciting times of year for the Papay naturalist as the island's year-round wealth of wildlife is joined by a rush of migrants whilst brightly-coloured toadstools stud the heathland & grassland.
The commonest warbler at this time of year can be Yellow-browed Warblers. Will this be the case this September? Any day's birding which turns up one of these striped gems is one to remember.
The right weather could bring the first Whooper Swans and Pink-footed Geese of autumn. Whilst interesting visitors & vagrants will be very much in mind as we scour the island, there will be interest everywhere, at every scale.
Between the late flowers, we'll find fungi and mosses. Lichens coat the island's surface, from coastal rocks to fence posts. Goldcrests are often to be seen on passage picking the mites from the tufts of the Sea Ivory on 'hairy walls'.
Papay's habitats include an inch-tall 'forest' of Creeping Willow on North Hill! Mushrooms such as brittle-gills, poison pies and milkcaps come up around the willows, in celebration of their symbiotic relationship. More fungal interest is offered by stunning waxcaps and bizarre earthtongues.
When we look up from the miniature world, we'll be reminded that the island has plenty more wildlife and archaeology of note. Grey and Common Seals will be a regular sight. Our resident Otters are far more elusive, however.
Each evening you'll have a choice of opportunities. There's always a place for time to yourself, but we also offer talks on fieldcraft tips and identification insights, to sessions on microscopy and the mysterious worlds of fungi and lower plants. The full Papay Wildlife Club library will be on hand. Finally, Papay's dark skies are a sight to behold on clear nights - with or without the Aurora Borealis!
Price: £495 per person. £50 Single Supplement.For further information and booking please ring 01857 644215, email - papaywildlife@gmail.com or contact Papay Wildlife Club through Facebook. Papay Wildlife Club is run by Papay Development Trust (SC029585), the island's community development charity.
2018 Papay Wildlife Club holidays
About Papay Wildlife Club
Blooms & Bonxies
14th to 18th June 2018
Mushrooms & migrants
20th to 24th September 2018