Winter on Scilly

Compared to the hustle and bustle of the summer season, winter on Scilly might seem sleepy and quiet, but for lovers of wildlife and wild places this is a stunning season to explore. On occasion the weather feels almost as calm on summer, but often the islands are hit by huge storms, strong winds, big seas and wild weather (but rarely frost or snow). Wrap up warm, be prepared for unexpected squalls of rain and watch out for the huge puddles, but don't let the weather stop you from exploring wildlife at this spectacular time of year. 

Winter is fast becoming the best time of year to see whales from the Isles of Scilly. Over the past few years, sightings of humpback whales have increased across the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall, including one individual nicknamed 'Pi' who has now returned twice to the area, and is regularly seen feeding just a few metres offshore from the south side of St Mary's. Other individuals have been spotted right around the archipelago. Fin whales are also regularly being seen - these are the second biggest animal to ever exist on earth, yet when we see them it's unusual to see more than 5% of the animal. They are often spotted further offshore, but do occasionally come close in. Minke whales, common dolphins and harbour porpoises are commonly seen, too, and this is a great time of year to watch grey seals as they bob around in the bays, haul out on rocks and relax on beaches. 

This is a good time of year to see wintering birds as they gather in groups. We get small gaggles of geese in the fields, ducks flock together on Porth Hellick, St Mary's and the pools on Tresco, and winter gulls arrive from the far north, including glaucous and Iceland gulls. Spoonbills roost on Green and Stony Island just off Samson and seaducks, like common scoters, eiders and long-tailed ducks can be seen in The Roads, along with great northern divers, black-necked grebes and other wintering species.

Whilst not native, Scilly can be very beautiful at this time of year as narcissi bloom in the fields, filling the air with an intoxicating perfume, and the non-native three-cornered leek springs up as early as January. It's not unusual to see frogspawn in the ponds at Rosehill Nature Garden. Wander amongst the heathlands and you can already enjoy the blossoming gorse flowers, filling the air with a coconutty scent. On warm sunny days, you might even hear it popping!