Rare & Scarce Birds in Britain & Ireland 2013

2013 Review – January-June 2013

Well what a spectacular six months it has been with the species tally as we begin the second period standing at an impressive 383 species – somewhat surprisingly just one species down on the same time period last year. For keen listers, it has been a very busy period – some of those with lists of over 500 species actually adding up to eight new birds! Discounting the dead White-tailed Tropicbird, highlights have been Dusky Thrush (first twitchable since 1960), White-throated Needletail (first since 1991), Pacific Swift (first twitchable since 1993), Pine Grosbeak, Collared Flycatcher (a record 5 this spring), Rock Thrush, Indigo Bunting and Harlequin Duck (17^th record). Here follows an exhaustive report of the Rare and Scarce Birds in Britain and Ireland in January to June 2013 – enjoy.....

Pacific Diver: In West Cornwall, the regularly reappearing adult was again in Mount’s Bay, Penzance Harbour, from 12^th-23^rd February, when it was last sighted in Little London Bay off Marazion. About three weeks later, it reappeared in Mount’s Bay, and was then seen intermittently from 17^th March until 1^st April. In Shetland, an adult in virtually full breeding plumage was seen off Grutness during the evening of 16^th May constituting the first record for that archipelago.

White-billed Diver: A record year mainly due to the discovery of a large wintering flock in Northeast Scotland. In January, a regular adult was in South Nesting Bay (Shetland) on 20^th, followed by an adult off the Isle of May (Fife) on 23^rd. A further returning adult was then discovered in Water Sound, South Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 29^th January, this bird delighting locals throughout the winter and early spring. During March it moved into Widewall Bay, then Herston throughout April, before lingering off St Margaret’s Hope until 12^th May.

In Shetland, singles were seen off Muness, Unst, on 1^st and at Sound Gruney, Fetlar, on 8^th February, with the first of a cessation of sightings in the Butt of Lewis area, Lewis (Outer Hebrides), on 18^th February. Elsewhere in northern Scotland, singles were off John O’Groats (Highland) on 4^th March and in Machrihanish Bay (Argyll) on 5^th March, whilst over at Portsoy Harbour (Aberdeenshire), the first three of an exceptional wintering population were discovered on 17^th March.

Two individuals were to be found off Port Nis, Lewis (Outer Hebrides), from 27^th March, this number typically increasing to a peak of 7 during the first three weeks of April, whilst elsewhere on the Scottish West Coast, no less than eight different birds were reported from Gairloch and Gruinard Bay south down into Argyll; one was also off Papa Westray (Orkney) on 26^th April.

Enterprising birders in Aberdeenshire realising the potential offshore began a series of offshore surveys aboard the MV Gemini Explorer in April and located no less than 15 different wintering individuals between Banff and Portsoy, at least 11 lingering at the latter location all month. Up to 8 were still to be found during the first fortnight of May with just one adult being seen at the regular haunt of Burghead (Moray) on 15^th.

In Orkney, one was at Evie on 9^th May, whilst on the Outer Hebrides, an adult flew north past Aird an Runair, North Uist, on 20^th May and one was off the Butt of Lewis on 29^th May. The last of the spring was an adult off Knock Head, Banff (Aberdeenshire), on 14^th June.

In Ireland, a beautiful adult in breeding plumage lingered off Inishbofin Island (County Galway) from 19^th-31^st May.

Pied-billed Grebe: In Somerset, an extremely popular adult lingered at Ham Wall RSPB, Shapwick Heath, from 15^th February until 6^th May – the first to be twitchable in Britain in three years. It proved to be on territory, indulging in loud courtship display throughout the early spring. Intriguingly, one reappeared in Ireland shortly later – at Sruhillgeg Lough on Achill Island (County Mayo) on 14^th May – following on from an isolated sighting at the end of 2012.

White-tailed Tropicbird: one was found long dead on the tideline at Mawbray Bank (Cumbria) on 6^th January. Breeding in the Tropical Atlantic, Indian and western Pacific Oceans, its origin was most likely the deck of a passing vessel than natural, the remains being donated to the Tullie House Museum in Carlisle.

Cory’s Shearwater: Singles flew past Strumble Head (Pembs) on 23^rd June and Spurn Point (East Yorks) on both 28^th & 29^th June, whilst in Ireland, one flew west in Ballycotton Bay (County Cork) on 15^th June.

Great Shearwater: In Ireland, one flew past Inishbofin (County Galway) on 30^th June.

Leach’s Petrel: A very odd winter record involved one blown far inland at Brogborough Lake (Bedfordshire) on 8^th February. This had been preceded by an individual at Lough Boora Parklands (County Offaly) on 5^th February.

Wilson’s Petrel: Off the Isles of Scilly, the first of the year was seen from a pelagic trip 3 miles SW of the Bishop Rock on 31^st May. A further bird was seen by Kester Wilson off Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 13^th June.

Little Bittern: For the fifth spring in succession, a male returned to Shapwick Heath NNR (Somerset) in early May. A second male was discovered nearby later in May, both birds remaining into early July. Like last year, breeding was not suspected until early June, both adults then repeatedly returning to the nest-site at Walton Heath to feed youngsters in early July.

Black-crowned Night Heron: In South Devon, two arrived on the River Dart at Dartington on 24^th April, the adult remaining there until 26^th and the first-summer until 28^th. These were then followed by an adult at Tenby Marsh (Pembs) on 25^th May, an adult at Stoke Albany Fishponds (Northants) from 27^th May until 7^th June and a first-summer at Old Moor RSPB (South Yorks) late evening on 26^th June.

In Ireland, one reached Dungarvan (County Waterford) on 6^th May and a first-summer in Cork City (County Cork) on 7^th June.

Squacco Heron: In Cornwall, one was in a Lanreath garden, near Looe, on 8^th May, whilst in Somerset, one visited Walton Heath, Shapwick Heath NNR in early June. What may have been this latter individual was then at Brading Marshes RSPB (Isle of Wight) from 8^th-14^th June.

Cattle Egret: In the first winter period, one remained at Tealham Moor (Somerset) until 12^th January and on Holy Island (Northumberland) from 22^nd January until 2^nd February, then in spring, one visited Margate (Kent) on 18^th April before settling at Stodmarsh NNR from 22^nd-25^th April; it was then seen at Oare Marshes, Faversham (Kent), on 28^th April before moving between a myriad of North Kent marshland sites throughout May and June. A second individual arrived at Dungeness (Kent) during May with others at Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) on 11^th May and near Valley (Anglesey) on 14^th-15^th May. The final bird of the spring was one reported in flight over Doxey Marshes (Staffs) on 9^th June.

In Ireland, the popular individual remained at St Johnston pigfields (County Donegal) until at least early April before perhaps returning to Hillsborough Park Lake (County Down) from 16^th April until at least 5^th June.

Great White Egret: In terms of breeding, two pairs were successful at Shapwick Heath NNR (Somerset) fledging four young in total, whilst in terms of wintering, it was another record year, with 35+ in the first-winter period including counts of 9 at Meare Heath (Shapwick) in January-March and 8 at Dungeness RSPB (Kent) in February-March. April and May saw some 25 or so migrants, with a dozen or so still lingering into June. In Ireland, one flew over Tacumshin Lake (Co. Wexford) on 22^nd April.

Purple Heron: April saw a small influx of this Iberian heron with singles at Winterton Dunes (Norfolk) on 16^th, Pegwell Bay (Kent) on 22^nd, Ormesby Little Broad (Norfolk) on 26^th and Frampton-on-Severn (Gloucs) on 28^th, whilst one lingered in South Wales in the Kenfig area (South Glamorgan) from 25^th until 22^nd May. A few more were reported in May but the only ones lingering included an adult at East Chevington South Pool (Northumberland) on 4^th-5^th and a first-summer at Marazion Marsh RSPB Reserve (Cornwall) from 19^th May until 5^th June. The Kenfig first-year reappeared in June, lingering until at least 26^th, with singles at Walton Heath Reedbed, Shapwick Heath NNR (Somerset) on 2^nd and at Tophill Low NR (East Yorks) from 24^th into July.

In Ireland, singles were at Knock Lake, Balbriggan (Co. Dublin) on 28^th April and at Kilcoole NR (Co. Wicklow) on 30^th April.

White Stork: In addition to the 5 or 6 free-flying escapees wandering far and wide throughout the country, presumed passage migrants included singles at Dungeness and Folkestone (Kent) on 6^th April, in the Falmouth area (Cornwall) from 8^th-14^th April and at Berry Fen (Cambs) on 30^th May (and subsequently at Ouse Fen nearby next day).

Black Stork: The first of the year flew NE over Monksilver towards Woodford (Somerset) on 4^th May before being relocated SE of Barnstaple (North Devon) on 6^th, when it flew east towards South Molton. What was likely to have been the same bird was then seen in the New Forest at Acres Down (Hants) on 18^th before another was sighted in NW Highland on 26^th May, flying over both Mull (Argyll) and Gruinard Bay (Highland) on the same day. In June, singles were seen briefly in flight over Pulborough Brooks RSPB (West Sussex) on 6^th, over Wykeham Forest Raptor Viewpoint (North Yorks) on 14^th and over the Forest of Dean (Gloucs) on 25^th.

Glossy Ibis: Perhaps because Britain experienced a ‘proper’ winter during the first three months of the year, numbers of this Mediterranean species were low in comparison to some recent years. However, the near-adult continued to survive at Marloes Mere (Pembs) throughout, still surviving into mid-July, while a regular bird present along the South Coast visited Ringwood Water Meadows (Hants) until 27^th January, as well as Stanpit Marsh in Christchurch Harbour (Dorset). It then relocated to a small pool and trackside ditch at Warblington (Hants) on 23^rd February, where it was seen daily until 23^rd March. It then moved further east to Arundel WWT (West Sussex) on 30^th-31^st March, making a fleeting visit to nearby Pulborough Brooks RSPB on 1^st April before returning to Arundel on 6^th-8^th. It then moved to Warningcamp (West Sussex) on 14^th-22^nd April.

In Ireland, the long-staying near-adult remained at Timoleague (County Cork) until at least 20^th February.

Eurasian Spoonbill: At least seven pairs bred in the heronry at Holkham Marsh NNR (North Norfolk), where post-breeding flocks at the end of June included up to 11 individuals at Titchwell RSPB and 5 at Cley Marshes NWT. Some 35 individuals overwintered in Britain, including a single flock of 17 in Poole Harbour (Dorset).

Snow Goose: An adult blue morph was on the Isle of Bute (Argyll) from 7^th January until at least 15^th February with another with Pink-feet in the Cockerham area of Lancashire from 13^th January until 8^th March – the latter being the same individual that had been seen with Greenland White-fronts on Islay (Argyll) on 1^st November 2012. A presumed pair of adult white morph remained at Baleshare and Paible, North Uist (Outer Hebrides) from 2012 until at least early April, with an adult blue morph at Westport Marsh, Kilchenzie (Argyll), on at least 12^th-20^th March. A further blue morph was with Pink-feet at Water of Ae (Dumfries & Galloway) on 2^nd-3^rd April, with an intermediate morph at Glenacardoch (Argyll) on 3^rd and two blue morph at Balmedie CP (Aberdeenshire) from 12^th-22^nd before moving to RAF Kinloss (Moray) on 25^th-27^th April. Intriguingly, a flock of 7 white morphs at Goldcliff Marsh, Newport Wetlands (Cardiff) on 15^th April were followed by sightings of 6 on Burray (Orkney) on 18^th and four at East Chevington CP (Northumberland) on 20^th – all no doubt stragglers from the increasing population of non-naturalised birds in Germany and Holland.

In Ireland, the adult intermediate morph remained with Greenland White-fronted Geese at Lough MacNean (Co. Fermanagh) until 1^st April, with an adult white morph at Sheskinmore Lough (Co. Donegal) until 19^th April.

Exceptionally, not one single Ross’s Snow Goose was recorded in Britain this winter other than the regular adult with Barnacle Geese in East and North Norfolk, considered to be a ‘feral’ bird from Holland.

Taiga Bean Goose: The regular wintering populations in the Fannyside Lochs area, Falkirk (Clyde), and Yare Valley (Norfolk) reached peaks of just 246 and 104 respectively in the first winter period, the former all departing by the end of January and the latter lingering unusually until early March.

Tundra Bean Goose: Rather surprisingly, especially considering the harsh weather conditions, just 25 made it to Britain in January and February, the largest numbers typically in East Anglia.

Considered Vagrant Canada Geese: Single Small Canada Geese (presumed Hutchinsii) were noted NW of King’s Lynn (Norfolk) at North Wootton and at Frampton Marsh RSPB (Lincs) in January and February, with at least 5 regularly returning adults mainly with Barnacle Geese on Islay (Argyll) from January to April. The Norfolk individual was proven to be the same bird that had visited Marshside Marsh RSPB (Lancs) on 25^th October 2012, whilst that at Frampton was considered to be the Cley NWT bird last noted on 1^st January. One was present in the Caerlaverock WWT area (D & G) from 10^th-29^th April whilst another lingered with Barnacle Geese at Balranald RSPB, North Uist (Outer Hebrides), from mid February until at least 4^th April. An odd-looking solitary bird then spent several weeks at Aird an Runair, North Uist, in May, remaining until at least 27^th.

A Todd’s Canada Goose (form interior) remained with Barnacle Geese at Southerness Point (Dumfries & Galloway) from November 2012 until at least early April, also visiting Whitrigg Marsh (Cumbria) on numerous occasions.

In Western Ireland, at least three adults remained with the Barnacle Geese in the Ballintemple area (Co. Sligo) until early April.

Red-breasted Goose: The regular adult remained at Farlington Marshes (Hants) until 12^th January before moving to Thorney Island (West Sussex) from 13^th January until early March; the bird then reappeared at Farlington remaining until 5^th April, next day being intercepted as it flew north with Dark-bellied Brent Geese past Margate (Kent). Meanwhile, in Scotland, regular adults were seen with Barnacle Geese at Loaningfoot/Southerness Point (D & G) from 30^th January to 14^th April and on Islay (Argyll) until 20^th April, whilst in Suffolk, four adults and two first-winters were with the 2,000 or so Barnacle Geese in the Southwold/Reydon area during severe wintry weather throughout January to mid February. One of the first-years then lingered with Eurasian White-fronted Geese at North Warren RSPB, Aldeburgh, until 22^nd February. In addition to these, at least 15 further adults of unknown origin were reported, with four in the Hamford Water area (Essex) again settling down to breed.

North American Wood Duck: A drake of unknown origin visited Shapwick Heath NNR (Somerset) on 24^th-27^th April. With numbers of this highly migratory Nearctic duck now at their highest for over a century in North America, vagrancy of this species in the UK/Ireland and the wider Western Palearctic should be taken far more seriously than is presently.

American Wigeon: A drake was at Doocot, near Rosehearty (Aberdeenshire), on 4^th January, with another in Scotland at Udale Bay (Highland) until mid April. Elsewhere, a drake remained in Norfolk near Bawburgh until 31^st January, another was at Liddel Loch (Orkney) on 8^th February (then at Finstown throughout March and on Loch Stenness until 21^st April), with further singles at Fiskerton Fen (Lincs) from 9^th February until 3^rd April, Bowling Green Marsh RSPB, Topsham (South Devon), from 16^th February until 13^th April and at Loch Bee, South Uist (Outer Hebrides), from 6^th February until 18^th March. As spring approached, single drakes appeared at Denhall Quay (Cheshire) on 31^st March (remaining until 7^th April) and at Twechar Marsh, Kirkintilloch (Clyde), on 21^st-30^th April (relocating to neighbouring Bridgend Farm Pools on 5^th April). A female was identified at Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs) on 15^th-16^th February, this same location also hosting a hybrid, this same female presumably visiting Bodenham Lake (Herefordshire) in March. May saw more migrants, with drakes at Loch Magillie, Stranraer (D & G), on 3^rd and Loch of Hillwell (Shetland), on 19^th-23^rd.

In Ireland, a drake was at the Drowse rivermouth at Tullaghan (County Leitrim) from 7^th January until early March, with another at Cahore Marsh (Co. Wexford) from 9^th-23^rd February and a later bird at Quoile Pondage (Co. Down) from 29^th March until 6^th April. In May, a drake visited Cuskinney Marsh, Cobh (Co. Cork), on 12^th-18^th.

Baikal Teal: In Ireland, an elusive drake was at Tacumshin Lake (County Wexford) on 8^th-9^th February. Vaguely possibly the same bird, albeit with some wing damage, appeared at Flamborough Head (East Yorks) with two Eurasian Wigeon on 15^th April. All three birds had gone next day, the Baikal Teal perhaps relocating to Germany, where a drake was at Geilenkirchen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, on 4^th May.

North American Black Duck: Once again, the Highland drake reappeared at Strontian in early February, being seen almost daily until 10^th. Another was then discovered on Shetland on 11^th June, moving from the Loch of Hillwell to Boddam on 16^th-18^th.

In Ireland, the usual drake was again at Sruhill Lough on Achill Island (County Mayo) throughout January to March, whilst two new individuals were discovered at Cockle Strand, near Mizen Head (Co. Cork), from 7^th February until 9^th March.

Blue-winged Teal: The adult drake of somewhat suspect origin first recorded in November 2010 remained on the River Dee at lamb Island, Threave (D & G), throughout much of the first winter period, being last reported from there on 30^th April; as usual, it then relocated to Bridgend Farm Pools, Kirkintilloch (Clyde), on 5^th May, staying there until 11^th, before perhaps moving to Barry Buddon (Angus) on 18^th May – however, it was back at Bridgend from 1^st-5^th June. Meanwhile, what was presumably a ‘new’ migrant drake appeared at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB (Cheshire) on 19^th-20^th April.

In Ireland, the long-staying female was still surviving at North Bull Island causeway (County Dublin) until at least 17^th February, whilst a drake appeared at Killelton Polder, Ballylongford (County Kerry), from 27^th March.

Ring-necked Duck: The three first-winters that first arrived on Scilly in October commuted between Porthellick Pool and Tresco Great Pool until 15^th April, whilst elsewhere in the first winter period, two remained on Slapton Ley (South Devon) from 15^th January until 30^th April and single drakes lingered at Marloes Mere (Pembs) until 30^th April, Par Beach Pool (Cornwall) until 17^th April, Helston Boating Lake and Loe Pool (Cornwall) until 14^th January (as well as a female in the vicinity until at least 6^th), Shearman’s Wath, West Ashby, from 5^th-17^th January, Hawkridge Reservoir (Somerset) until 30^th April, High Eske NR (East Yorks) from 20^th-27^th January and at Loch Skerrols, Islay (Argyll), on 23^rd January. During the same period, single females were also present at Siblyback Lake (Cornwall) until 27^th April and on Loch Scaraidh, Balranald RSPB, North Uist (Outer Hebrides), until early May, while spring passage involved a first-winter drake at Tophill Low NR (East Yorks) from late April into early June, a drake at Ham Wall RSPB (Somerset) on 2^nd-5^th May (moving north to Chew Valley Lake, Avon, on 13^th-16^th) and a female on Islay (Argyll) on 1^st-2^nd May. A female then began a long sojourn at Forfar Loch (Angus) from 18^th May until early June, with an eclipse drake at Catterick Racecourse Lake (North Yorks) from 23^rd June into July.

Ferruginous Duck: Three different individuals were seen in January – a regular female at Cockshoot Broad, Woodbastwick (Norfolk) on 6^th , an adult drake at Priory Country Park, Bedford (Beds), from 27^th and a female in Danson Park, Bexleyheath (London) on 31^st. The latter was still there next day, the Cockshoot female appeared again on 8^th-16^th February and the Priory bird attracted large numbers of admirers until 2^nd March. Another regular drake, that at Ivy Lake, Blashford GP (Hants), reappeared on 22^nd-24^th February, with a further drake (probably first-year) at ham Wall RSPB (Somerset) from 27^th February until 20^th March. A young drake was then on Otmoor RSPB (Oxfordshire) from 25^th March until 9^th April, with the regularly reappearing female at Minsmere RSPB Reserve (Suffolk) from 17^th April until 9^th May. In Somerset, a female then visited Barrow Gurney Reservoir on 19^th April, with a drake at Chew Valley Lake from 13^th-15^th May, 7^th-19^th June and again on 29^th June.

Lesser Scaup: Single adult drakes remained at Blagdon Lake (Somerset) until mid-February and Colliford Lake (Cornwall) until 20^th February, whilst a putative first-winter female was at Loch of Ayre (Orkney) from 6^th-15^th January. A first-winter drake was then at Shotton Pools and Connah’s Quay (Clwyd) from 1^st-4^th February, before relocating to Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB (Cheshire) on 3^rd March and back to Shotwick Boating lake on at least 4^th-8^th March, whilst in South Wales, the regular drake reappeared at Cardiff Bay Wetlands NR from 3^rd February until at least 20^th April, and a new drake present at Bryn Bach Park (Gwent) from 27^th March until 20^th April. The Shotwick drake was then seen at Ogston Reservoir (Derbyshire) on 16^th March before settling at Freiston Shore RSPB (North Lincs) from 19^th March until 14^th April. Meanwhile, the Colliford drake relocated nearby at Siblyback Reservoir on Bodmin Moor, remaining there from mid March through 22^nd April. Additionally, single drakes were noted at Brockholes NR (Lancs) on 15^th March, Wellington Country Park (Herefordshire) from 16^th March until 22^nd April and on Auchendores Reservoir (Clyde) from 12^th March until 28^th April. As summer approached, moulting drakes were seen at Saltholme Pools RSPB (Cleveland) on 3^rd-29^th April and 12^th-20^th May, Netherfield Lagoons and Holme Pierrpont GP (Notts) on 21^st-27^th April and at Pugney’s Country Park, Wakefield (West Yorks) from 30^th April until 21^st May, while a female was identified at Borwick Waters (Lancs) from 14^th April until 4^th May. The regular drake then returned to St John’s Loch (Caithness) on 10^th May, displaying to Tufted Ducks until at least mid June, with that summering in the Midlands identified at Lound GP (Notts) on 4^th June.

In Ireland, a first-winter drake remained at Lough Gash, Newmarket-on-Fergus (Co. Clare) until at least 16^th April and an adult drake at Oxford Island NR (Co. Armagh) intermittently between mid March and early May.

King Eider: In Aberdeenshire, the regular drake was off Rosehearty until 5^th January, before relocating to St Combs from 6^th until 25^th February, whilst in Shetland, a second-winter drake was at Symbister, Whalsay, until at least mid May and a first-year drake was in Bluemull Sound from 1^st February until 1^st March and later in Tresta Voe on 16^th June. The former then returned to the Ythan Estuary on 12^th April, staying until late May, before drifting south to Blackdog and Murcar to moult throughout June. In Ireland, a first-summer drake was on Inishkea (County Mayo) on at least 17^th-21^st May.

Harlequin Duck: In the Outer Hebrides, a first-winter drake was found by Brian Rabbitts on the sea at Balranald RSPB, North Uist, on 18^th February, the bird lingering off Traigh Iar rocks there until 25^th April. Although largely ignored for several weeks, Roger Wyatt visited the site on 24^th May and relocated it, daily sightings then continuing until 1^st June. Harlequin Duck breeds from NE Canada to southern Greenland and Iceland, and from central Siberia eastwards to Alaska and south to NW USA. In winter, most move just a short distance, with the Icelandic population largely sedentary. A total of 17 have been recorded in the UK, this being the first twitchable since the female on Lewis in January to May 2004.

Surf Scoter: In South Wales in January, a juvenile drake was at Amroth (Pembs) on 14^th and a female was in Broad Haven (Pembs) until 23^rd March, whilst in North Wales, the first of a number of drakes was seen off Llandullas (Clwyd) on 16^th. The latter was joined by a second drake on 18^th-24^th February and a third (and a female) from 2^nd-16^th March while 3 drakes were noted in Carmarthen Bay (Pembs) on 12^th February, two of which perhaps at Telpyn Point on 18^th March. Just a single adult drake lingered in Largo Bay (Fife) from January to late March (moving to Edinburgh, Lothian, from 31^st until late May), whilst newly found were a young drake off Hougharry, North Uist (Outer Hebrides), on 1^st-11^th February, a drake off Rerwick Head (Orkney) on 9^th February and a drake in Loch Ryan, Stranraer (D & G), from 1^st February until 21^st March. Another drake was seen off Starr Gate, Blackpool (Lancs), on 2^nd March, with two drakes in Deer Sound (Orkney) on 12^th March, a regular drake in the Sound of Taransay (Outer Hebrides) on 30^th March, an adult drake off Embo Pier (Sutherland) on 8^th-9^th May, an adult drake off Stag Rocks, Bamburgh (Northumberland), on 14^th May, a pair in the Sound of Harris (Outer Hebrides) on 14^th June, a drake off Rhunahaorine Point (Argyll) from 26^th June into July, up to four moulting individuals off Murcar Golf Course (Aberdeenshire) from 14^th June and a very popular drake in Filey bay (North Yorks) from 26^th-30^th June.

In Ireland, single juveniles were at Ballinskelligs (Co. Kerry) from 6^th January until 16^th March, Brandon Bay (Co. Kerry) from 10^th January until 21^st February, off Dungarvan (Co. Waterford) until 3^rd March, at Rosslare (Co. Wexford) from 16^th March until 12^th May and at Rossbeigh (Co. Kerry) on 24^th-28^th April, with adult drakes off Salterstown (Co. Louth) on 17^th March, Ben Head (Co. Meath) from 16^th March until 6^th April, Balbriggan (Co. Dublin) from 25^th-29^th March, off Silver Strand (Co. Galway) on 19^th May, at Inch Strand (Co. Galway) on 11^th-14^th June and off Ballycotton (Co. Cork) on 16^th June.

Black Kite: Following the first near Hayle (Cornwall) on 1^st April and Brighton (East Sussex) on 8^th April, singles were then reported flying over various sites in Suffolk, Cumbria, London, Devon, West Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Somerset between 11^th & 30^th April and a further dozen in early May between Cornwall and Orkney. One did eventually linger in Northumberland near Cramlington on 14^th-16^th May before a very popular bird was found in East Kent on 8^th June, showing regularly in the Selling Woods area, SE of Faversham, until 15^th.

White-tailed Sea Eagle: In Shetland, a Norwegian-colour-ringed second-winter was seen on Unst on 1^st January before flying south over Whalsay on 10^th;  it was then seen over Bressay on 23^rd February and near Stromfirth on 12^th March before returning to Unst on 18^th-21^st March. A juvenile was then seen flying in off the sea at Sutton (Lincs) on 2^nd February, before flying out into the Wash and south over Hunstanton (Norfolk) on 16^th to be relocated in the Anmer area (also Norfolk) two days later on 18^th. It then lingered over a large area of farmland NE of King’s Lynn but particularly in the Houghton Hall area until 5^th March, then being reported over Burston, near Diss, on 6^th. It was seen by a few non-birders in west Norfolk later in March before reappearing over Roydon Common on 2^nd April before then flying east over Kelling Heath on 6^th April and south into Suffolk, where it subsequently lingered in the Orfordness area until 8^th before moving to Benacre Broad on 10^th-11^th.

In Scotland, up to 35 pairs were breeding in May, whilst in Ireland, the first-ever nesting in over a century was taking place at two locaties.

Northern Harrier: In Ireland, the juvenile female remained at Tacumshin Marsh (County Wexford) until 21^st April, while a juvenile reported at Cahore Marsh (Co. Wexford) on 8^th & 20^th April may have overwintered there.

Pallid Harrier: A beautiful male was photographed by Mark & Veronica Hill preying on a pigeon by Newark Lane, Ripley (Surrey), on 31^st March, whilst a male flew north over Forfar Loch (Angus) on 19^th April. A juvenile then lingered on Skomer Island (Pembs) from 20^th April until 1^st May, later that day either it or another being seen over Bedmannarch Bay (Anglesey) just prior to noon. Lastly, a juvenile visited Fair Isle on 3^rd June, with a male flying past Drimfern, Inverary (Argyll), on 4^th June.

Rough-legged Buzzard: an average winter with perhaps four different individuals in East Anglia (including two on the Haddiscoe Levels and a popular bird at Burnham Overy Marshes) and a couple elsewhere in NE England, with a noteworthy record from Shetland during mid March to 9^th April.

Red-footed Falcon: An early adult female was on St Martin’s (Scilly) from 25^th April until early May, with an adult male on the Ouse Washes RSPB (Cambs) on 2^nd-6^th May. What may have been the same individual then performed admirably at Lakenheath Fen RSPB Reserve (Suffolk) from 3^rd May into early June, this same period seeing reports of several more, none of which lingered. Cambridgeshire hosted yet another popular individual in June – this time a first-summer female at Ouse Fen RSPB from 1^st-10^th.

Gyrfalcon: In the Outer Hebrides, a juvenile white morph remained on South Uist until 11^th January, visiting Balranald RSPB, North Uist, on 10^th. A further juvenile white morph was then sighted on Orkney near Stromness on 1^st-2^nd February, later being seen at Yesnaby on 8^th, Hoxa on 26^th and Deerness on 27^th. A further white morph was on Shetland at Tresta on 26^th March with another on Orkney at Orphir on 20^th April, Birsay Moors on 25^th and over Marwick Bay on 30^th.

American Coot: In Ireland, the first-winter remained at Murloch, near Ballyconneely (County Galway), from late November 2012 until 13^th April.

Common Crane: The resident population in Norfolk Broadland hovered around the 34 figure during January to March, with a flock of 7 (four adults and three first-winters) lingered on the Isle of Sheppey at Capel Fleet Marshes (Kent) from 22^nd January until 17^th February. Another flock of 7 (this time six adults and a first-year) visited Clifton (Worcs) on 20^th-26^th January before flying over Stourton (Wilts) on 1^st February, while a long-staying first-year lingered near Tyninghame (Lothian) from 9^th-27^th February before relocating to Northumberland in March-April. The Horsey Mere roost then held 41 birds from late March, the 7 aforementioned new arrivals departing north to Lincolnshire on 20^th April, continuing north to Northumberland then back south past Whitburn (County Durham) on 23^rd. Scotland played host to a flock of four from late April, visiting Loch of Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire) until 2^nd May before heading south over Longfornan (Perth & Kinross) on 6^th; a first-summer was then on Unst from 24^th May until at least 22^nd June. A further first-summer visited the Isle of man from 5^th-13^th June.

In Ireland, a flock of 5 remained in the Tacumshin area (Co. Wexford) from the start of the year until 14^th February, later that day flying over Kilcoole (C. Wicklow), with another at Barrow (Co. Kerry) on 7^th February. A further bird was seen on the Rogerstown Estuary (Co. Dublin) on 6^th March.

Great Bustard: A bird from the Salisbury Plain reintroduction project found its way to Long Melford (Suffolk) on 17^th March and near Great Dunmow (Essex) on 23^rd, whilst 3 or 4 typically wintered in Dorset.

Black-winged Stilt: A pair arrived in South Wales on 26^th April (at Goldcliff Pools in Gwent), moving to Ham Walls RSPB (Somerset) next day. A first-summer male then visited Limbourne Creek, Maldon (Essex), on 6^th May, Frampton Marsh RSPB (Lincs) on 7^th and Adventurer’s Fen, Wicken Fen (Cambs), from 14^th-18^th May, with a pair at Frampton Marsh on 3^rd June.

Black-winged Pratincole: One visited the Swale Nature Reserve, on the Isle of Sheppey (North Kent), for a few hours on 26^th June.

Killdeer: In Ireland, one was at Killybegs (Co. Donegal) on 29^th March followed just over a week later by perhaps the same bird at Alston Reservoirs, Longridge (Lancs), on 7^th April. Most incredulous however was that both birds were found by the very same observer – Gavin Thomas!

Kentish Plover: In spring, following one at Ferrybridge Harbour (Dorset) on 24^th March, two males were at Rye Harbour NR (East Sussex) from 25^th March until 2^nd April, with one still present on 9^th; one had been colour-ringed as an adult at St Peter-Ording, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany in May 2009. A further male was also seen at Swalecliffe Beach (Kent) on 28^th-29^th March followed by further singles at Ferrybridge on 1^st April (female), Old Hall Marshes RSPB (Essex) on 7^th April, in Pegwell Bay (Kent) on 8^th April and Ferrybridge again on 2^nd-3^rd May.

Dotterel: Early in the spring, up to 4 were in the Siblyback area of Bodmin Moor (Cornwall) from 2^nd-5^th April, whilst a further 35 were logged by the end of the month including 3 at Aldingfleet (Lancs) on 20^th, 8 on Plynlimon Mountain (Central Wales) on 27^th and 7 at Carr Vale NR (Derbyshire) on 29^th. May saw up to 160 reported, with trips of up to 10 birds at several sites and gatherings of 21 at Cross Fell (Cumbria) on 7^th and 14 at Grainthorpe Haven (North Lincs) on 11^th-13^th. Unusually, a summering female was on St Martin’s (Scilly) on 27^th-29^th June.

In Ireland, 4 were at Ballinskelligs (Co. Kerry) on 23^rd-29^th April, 3 at Slieve Muck (Co. Down) on 27^th April and a female at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 6^th-9^th June.

American Golden Plover: In Ireland, a first-summer was at Kilcoole (Co. Wicklow) from 28^th April until 3^rd May with an adult on Inishkea (Co. Mayo) on 17^th May. These were followed by three in Britain in June: an exceptionally confiding first-summer in the Cuckmere Haven (East Sussex) from 11^th-14^th, one at Ardvule Point, South Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 12^th and a flyover adult at Brownshill Staunch (Cambs) on 18^th.

Temminck’s Stint: In a repeat of recent years, there was a wintering individual in Britain: on the Parrett Estuary at Stockland Reach (Somerset) from 1^st January until at least 26^th March. No more were then recorded until May, with 57 logged during that month peaking at 6 at Frampton Marsh RSPB (Lincs) on 19^th – and a further 8 birds in June.

White-rumped Sandpiper: An adult was at Findhorn Bay (Moray) on 10^th-14^th June, with two reported there on 11^th. One also visited Ireland in June – at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 3^rd.

Pectoral Sandpiper: In what was a record spring for this Siberian/Nearctic wader, involving at least 48 individuals, the first appeared in Northumberland on 19^th April, commuting between Bradford Kaims, Backworth Pond and Holywell Pond until 24^th. One was then seen at Rainham Marsh RSPB (London) and Holland Haven CP (Essex) on 25^th and 26^th April respectively before a huge influx of 30 arrived in May, including 3 at Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire) on 6^th-8^th, 3 at Wicken (Bakers) Fen (Cambs) on 14^th, 2 on Foula (Shetland) on 25^th-28^th and 2 on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 29^th. June saw a further 18, including two together at Cley NWT (Norfolk) on 11^th-14^th. A further 5 were recorded in Ireland in May, with up to 3 at Cahore Marsh (Co. Wexford) from 4^th-12^th.

Broad-billed Sandpiper: One was at Patrington Haven (East Yorks) on 18^th May.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper: In spring, singles were at Loch Gruinart RSPB, Islay (Argyll), on 22^nd-23^rd May, Exnaboe (Shetland) on 24^th May, Tiree (Argyll) on 3^rd June and at Cemlyn Bay (Anglesey) on 20^th June, whilst in Ireland, at Inishkea (Co. Mayo) on 21^st May, Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 25^th May and at Blacksod on the Mullet Peninsula (Co. May) on 11^th June.

Long-billed Dowitcher: A first-winter was on the Gann Estuary, near Dale (Pembs), from 1^st January until 13^th April, with another wintering individual at Alkborough Flats, Scunthorpe (North Lincs), until 24^th April. One was then seen on Lewis (Outer Hebrides) on 29^th April – at Loch Stiapavat just east of the Butt of Lewis.

In Ireland, an adult was at Lady’s Island Lake (Co. Wexford) from 14^th January until at least 9^th March.

Lesser Yellowlegs: In South Devon, a first-winter remained on the Tamar Estuary in Ernesettle Creek, Plymouth, from 1^st January until 22^nd April. This was followed by one in spring at Marazion Marsh RSPB (Cornwall) on 2^nd-3^rd May.

In Ireland, singles visited Skerries Harbour (Co. Dublin) on 2^nd April, Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 27^th April to 2^nd May, Dundalk Docks (Co. Louth) on 29^th April to 5^th May and on Inishkea (Co. Mayo) on 7^th May.

Terek Sandpiper: One visited Rye Harbour NR (East Sussex) on 25^th May.

Spotted Sandpiper: Single summer-plumaged birds were at Wadebridge (Cornwall) on 10^th-14^th May and Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) on 26^th May.

Wilson’s Phalarope: On the Isle of Wight, a breeding-plumaged female graced Yarmouth Mill Pools from 18^th-23^rd June.

Red-necked Phalarope: A female reappeared for its 7^th consecutive summer at Coombe Hill Meadows NR (Gloucs) on 16^th May and lingered until 16^th June, whilst elsewhere, singles visited Old Moor RSPB (South Yorks) on 24^th May, Scaling Dam Reservoir (Cleveland) on 31^st May, Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs) on 3^rd & 20^th June, Kilnsea (East Yorks) on 12^th June, Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) on 14^th June, Kenfig (South Glamorgan) on 15^th June, Wat Tyler CP (Essex) on 16^th June, Berry Fen, Earith (Cambs), on 18^th June, North Shields (Northumberland) on 21^st June, Easton Bavents (Suffolk) on 25^th June, Tiree (Argyll) on 28^th June and the Ouse Washes RSPB (Cambs) on 28^th June. Two birds together were noted in Broadford Bay, Skye (Highland), on 23^rd May and at Rutland Water (Leics) on 2^nd June whilst in Ireland, 2 were on Inishkea (Co. Mayo) on 17^th May (with four females there on 21^st) and a female at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 10^th June.

Grey Phalarope: In January, singles were at Garths Ness (Shetland) on 5^th, Kinmel Bay (North Wales) on 20^th and off Filey Brigg (North Yorks) on 31^st . The latter then lingered until 2^nd February while further birds flew past Hinkley Point (Somerset) on 2^nd and Flamborough Head (East Yorks) on 4^th. Another made a fleeting visit to Riverside Country Park, Gillingham (Kent) on 5^th February. In March, singles were at South Queensferry (Lothian) on 23^rd, off St David’s Harbour, Dalgety Bay (Fife), on 25^th and in Bridlington Harbour (East Yorks) on 26^th, whilst one flew east past Kelling Quags (Norfolk) on 1^st April.

In Ireland, singles were noted at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 5^th-6^th January and in Galway (Co. Galway) on 29^th January.

Pomarine Skua: It was an outstanding spring in the Outer Hebrides where of the 3,000 or so logged during May, 614 flew north past Aird an Runair, North Uist, on 11^th.

Long-tailed Skua: an early adult was on Lundy Island (North Devon) on 16^th April. Then a flock of 27 on the sea off Criccieth Beach (Gwynedd) on 10^th May proved to be the precursor of a spectacular movement in the Outer Hebrides and elsewhere in Scotland where numerous counts exceeding 200 too place between 12^th & 23^rd including a mammoth 1,125 flying NE over Aird an Runair, North Uist, on 22^nd. Next day, the Corran Narrows, SW of Fort William (Highland), saw a remarkable 834 fly north, with movements switching to the East Coast at the end of the month. The only report inland was of one briefly at Queen Mother Reservoir (Berks) late on 24^th May. A further 25 were logged in June, mostly in the North Sea, including 5 reported flying south past Flamborough Head on 7^th.

Sabine’s Gull: During a period of inclement weather in the southwest, singles flew past Horse Point, St Agnes (Scilly) on 17^th April and Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) next day. June then saw a trio of occurrences with singles off Porthcawl (South Wales) on 22^nd, Lundy Island (Devon) on 27^th and 6 miles south off Scilly on 24^th.

Bonaparte’s Gull: Single adults were seen at Dawlish Warren NNR (South Devon) again on 5^th January, on the Ogmore Estuary near Cardiff (Glamorgan) from 5^th January until 17^th April, at Padstow (Cornwall) on 14^th January, in Cardiff Bay itself from 12^th January until 5^th April and most popular of all, in Princes Park, Eastbourne (East Sussex), from 27^th January until 26^th February. A first-winter was then seen at Stoneybridge, South Uist (Outer Hebrides), on 2^nd February, with an adult reappearing at Castletown, Thurso (Caithness) on 30^th March & 6^th April, the first for Berkshire at Hosehill Lake, Theale, on 26^th April (a summer-plumaged adult and perhaps the same at Chew Valley Lake, Avon, next day) and a first-year at Elmley Marshes RSPB (Kent) from 28^th April until 5^th May which later relocated to the East Flood at Oare Marshes, Faversham, on 22^nd May, staying until the end of June at least. The adult returned to the Exe Estuary in South Devon on 2^nd May and showed daily until 15^th while in neighbouring Cornwall, an adult visited Siblyback Lake on 15^th-16^th May and a first-winter Stithians Reservoir on 16^th May. The last of the spring concerned a first-summer on Tiree (Argyll) on 18^th June.

In Ireland, the adult remained in Larne Harbour (Co. Antrim) until mid February before relocating to Ballygally on 18^th March, with another in Skerries Harbour (Co. Dublin) from 2^nd-18^th March. The month of May saw two fresh arrivals with summer adults at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 2^nd-13^th and at Kilshannig, Castlegregory (Co. Kerry) on 13^th-14^th.

Ring-billed Gull: The single adults remained at Sands Lane GP near Mirfield (West Yorks) until late March and at Walpole Park, Gosport (Hants), until 26^th March, with single first-winters on Fair Isle from 9^th-20^th January, at East Voe of Scalloway (Shetland) from 16^th January until 20^th March, in Bude (Cornwall) from 21^st January until 3^rd February, at Neath Abbey (South Wales) from 2^nd-31^st March and at Stewartby Lake roost (Beds) on 14^th March. A popular first-summer then commuted between Rutland Water and Melton Mowbray CP (Leics) from 18^th April until 7^th May whilst the long-staying Shetland individual was seen at Quendale on 28^th April and in the Hillwell area until at least 25^th May before returning to East Voe until at least 16^th June. In addition, large numbers were recorded in Ireland including at least 35 between January and March.

North American Herring Gull: In Ireland, a first-winter was at Baltimore Fish Factory (Co. Cork) from 2^nd-9^th February.

Gull-billed Tern: Singles visited Kelling Water Meadows (Norfolk) on 10^th June, Kirkby-on-Bain GP (Lincs) on 18^th June and Bowling Green Marsh RSPB, Topsham (Devon), on 25^th June.

Caspian Tern: One flew north past Spurn and Kilnsea (East Yorks) on 25^th April before a second-summer appeared at Testwood Lakes HWT Reserve (Hants) on 9^th June. This latter individual then moved west to Radipole Lake RSPB (Dorset) on 11^th before settling at West Bexington (Dorset) on 11^th-12^th June.

Forster’s Tern: In Ireland, a first-winter was at Lady’s Island Lake and Carne (Co. Wexford) on 20^th January, while the regular returning adult was in Galway Bay (Co. Galway) intermittently between 1^st January and 28^th March. An adult then returned to Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) from 3^rd-25^th May.

Whiskered Tern: In Somerset, two adults arrived at Shapwick Heath NNR on 21^st April and lingered there until the following morning. They then split up and were seen at Durleigh Reservoir on 22^nd & 27^th April, Witcombe Reservoir on 22^nd-23^rd and at Chew Valley Lake (Avon) on 23^rd & 25^th, as well as at Frampton Sailing Lakes (Gloucs) on 26^th. One was also seen at Carsington Water (Derbyshire) on 24^th April before moving to Blithfield Reservoir (Staffs) later the same day.

White-winged Black Tern: A poor spring with just two birds located: summer-plumaged adults at Ferry Meadows CP, Peterborough (Cambs) on 20^th May and at Lady’s Island Lake (Co. Wexford) on 23^rd-26^th May.

Little Auk: About 30 were noted in January, including singles as far south as Hemsby (Norfolk) and Southwold (Suffolk) on 9^th & 19^th respectively, with others seen southwest to Somerset, Cornwall and Scilly to the month’s end. February saw a further 18 reports, including 3 in Loch Fyne (Argyll) on 1^st while a further 15 in March (including 3 north past Staithes Harbour, North Yorks, on 28^th).

Four were reported in Ireland in January, including one off Ballycotton Pier (Co. Cork) on 27^th, with 7 in February including 4 off Slyne Head (Co. Galway) on 1^st.

Continental Barn Owl: A dark-breasted individual remained at Southease Bridge, near Rodmell (East Sussex) from mid January until at least early April, with others at Reawick (Shetland) on 9^th-10^th March and in Sutton Courtenay (Oxfordshire) on 29^th March.

Snowy Owl: In Strathspey, a male was on the Cairngorm Plateau from 18^th January until at least 18^th June, generally frequenting the rocky outcrops just west of Ben Macdui. This was followed by an immature on Jura (Argyll) on 28^th March and the regular adult male on North Uist in the Grenitote and Sollas machair area from 1^st-6^th April and throughout May before returning to St Kilda (Outer Hebrides) from 12^th June.

In Ireland, an immature male was on the Pettigo Plateau (Co. Donegal) from 10^th-15^th February, with the regular male on Aranmore Island (Co. Donegal) from 29^th May into July.

Pallid Swift: On the Isles of Scilly, one lingered over St Mary’s from 16^th April until 1^st May constituting the longest stayer ever in spring

Alpine Swift: Following singles over Pagham Harbour (West Sussex), Skinningrove (Cleveland) and Marton Mere (Lancs) on 14^th April, one commuted between Bridlington and Scarborough (Yorkshire) from 16^th-18^th April. These were then followed by singles at Lopham Fen (Norfolk) on 17^th April, Cliftonville, Margate (Kent), on 17^th and a lingering bird in the Lade area of Dungeness (Kent) from 17^th-18^th April. May saw just two arrivals with singles at Ruan Lanihorne (Cornwall) on 20^th and over Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 24^th

In Ireland, singles were over Glasnevin (Co. Dublin) and Castlerock (Co. Derry) on 17^th April.

White-throated Needletail: In the Outer Hebrides, a first-summer graced the skies around Tarbert, the Isle of Harris, from 24^th-26^th June, delighting 66 visiting twitchers during its last day before being killed by an isolated wind turbine unexpectedly early evening. It represented only the fifth to be recorded in Britain and the first since 1991.

Pacific Swift: One was photographed over East Lane GP, Bawdsey (Suffolk), on 29^th May before being relocated just over two weeks later less than eight miles away at Trimley Marshes SWT (Suffolk) on 15^th-16^th June. Its appearance sparked off the biggest twitch of the year, just under 3,000 observers trekking the 6 miles in order to see it. It was last seen at around 1600 hours on 16^th. What was probably a different bird flew south over Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 12^th June, later being relocated and photographed at Sea View Farm, Saltfleetby (North Lincs) in the evening.

European Bee-eater: The first of the spring involved singles over Niton (Isle of Wight) on 27^th April and at Condover Industrial Estate (Salop) on 29^th-30^th April, while May saw a notable influx including a flock of 8 that were seen at Briningham (Norfolk) on 8^th and then over Colne Point (Essex) on 11^th-12^th. At least eight were reported in Dorset, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Yorkshire in June, but the only one to linger was that at Pegwell Bay CP (Kent) on 8^th-9^th.

European Roller: One was well-watched at Broxhead Common, Bordon (Hants) on 23^rd-26^th May and after departing at 0910 hours on 26^th to the east was relocated briefly at Thursley Common (Surrey) later that morning. One then flew over Fair Isle on 11^th June before a much more obliging bird commuted between Heath House Woods and Holt Lowes (Norfolk) from 16^th-19^th June.

Hoopoe: A wintering individual was present in Hamworthy, Poole (Dorset), from 19^th January until 19^th March followed by the first spring migrants on the Isles of Scilly in March (on St Agnes on 8^th, St Martin’s on 10^th and St Agnes on 23^rd, the latter found dead two days later). A further 29 then appeared in April and 28 in May but only that at Lyme Regis (Dorset) on 7^th-15^th lingered long enough to be twitched. A further 7 were reported in June including one on Skokholm (Pembs) on 8^th.

In Ireland, one lingered at Creadon Head (Co. Waterford) from 16^th-23^rd April, with another near Athleague (Co. Roscommon) from 20^th-24^th June..

Wryneck: On the Isles of Scilly, singles were noted at Shipman Head, Bryher, on 20^th April and St Mary’s Golf Course on 24^th April before 25 arrived between 9^th & 31^st May, including possibly as many as 4 on Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 29^th-31^st.

Greater Short-toed Lark: Singles were on St Mary’s Airfield (Scilly) on 8^th-13^th May, Foula (Shetland) on 16^th-18^th & 29^th May, Pennington Marshes (Hants) on 19^th May, Balranald RSPB, North Uist (Outer Hebrides), on 19^th-20^th May, Dawlish Warren NNR (South Devon) on 25^th May, Sumburgh Head (Shetland) on 25^th-29^th May, on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 26^th May, Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 31^st May to 5^th June and on Shipman Head Down, Bryher (Scilly) on 30^th June.

Crested Lark: One made a very brief early morning visit to Bockhill Farm, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe (Kent) on 1^st June before flying off strongly to the north.

Shore Lark: It was a dire winter for this species with just six wintering individuals: at Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 15^th January, two at Cley Beach (Norfolk) on 19^th-20^th January & 5^th February, Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs) on 22^nd January to 4^th February and at Sandwich Bay (Kent) on 23^rd January. One then visited Havergate Island (Suffolk) from 16th February until 7^th April, with 2 in Holme Dunes (Norfolk) on 8^th February and a singleton at Salthouse Beach (Norfolk) on 15^th-16^th February. Spring passage saw singles at Gibraltar Point NNR on 1^st April and Boulby Cliffs (Cleveland) on 16^th, with a party of 3 at Ynyslas RSPB (Ceredigion) from 13^th-15^th April.

Red-rumped Swallow: An excellent spring with at least 32 recorded. The first arrived on 23^rd March at Pendrathen, St Mary’s (Scilly) followed by a marked influx in April with birds noted at Crediton (Devon) on 16^th, Coldwaltham Brooks (West Sussex) on 18^th, Kessingland Sewage Works (Suffolk) on 18^th-19^th, Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 20^th, St Just (Cornwall) on 21^st, Portland Bill (Dorset) on 21^st, Attenborough NR (Notts) on 26^th and Lodmoor RSPB (Dorset) on 27^th. Dungeness RSPB had an incredible run of sightings with singles on 24^th & 27^th April and 2^nd-4^th, 13^th & 24^th-25^th May and even more incredibly, most found by the same individual observer – Steve Broyd, Spurn Point (East Yorks) also chipping in with singles on 28^th April & 12^th May. Additionally in May, singles were noted at Hallsands Ley (South Devon) on 2^nd, Aberystwyth (Wales) on 6^th, Gibraltar Point (Lincs) on 9^th-11^th, Flamborough Head (East Yorks) on 11^th, Beddington Sewage Farm (Surrey) on 12^th & 24^th-25^th, Marloes Mere (Pembs) on 12^th, Whitlingham CP, Norwich (Norfolk) on 13^th, Weir Wood Reservoir (Sussex) on 24^th, Walland Marsh (Kent) on 25^th and Hillswick Booth (Shetland) on 29^th. Four more appeared in June with singles over Portland Bill on 7^th, Brading Marsh RSPB (Isle of Wight) on 9^th, Asta Golf Course, Scalloway (Shetland) on 13^th and Swalecliffe (Kent) on 17^th. In Ireland, one visited Great Saltee Island (Co. Wexford) on 5^th May.

Richard’s Pipit: Singles were at Dowlais Farm, near Clevedon (Somerset) from 21^st December until 17^th January, on St Mary’s (Scilly) on 6^th-9^th January, at Kilnsea (East Yorks) on 27^th-30^th January, at Dornoch (Sutherland) on 5^th February, Hesketh Out Marsh RSPB (Lancs) on 14^th February, Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 26^th April, Portland Bill (Dorset) on 30^th April and Bolt Head (South Devon) on 16^th May.

In Ireland, one was at Cooley Point (Co. Louth) on 2^nd-24^th February.

Tawny Pipit: Singles were at Paull Strays (East Yorks) on 5^th May and on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 25^th May.

Red-throated Pipit: the sole report of the spring concerned one flying south over Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 10^th May.

American Buff-bellied Pipit: In Berkshire, the two wintering birds remained at Queen Mother Reservoir until 22^nd January, one being last reported on 2^nd February.. A series of well organised day-twitches at this permit-only site eventually realised the best part of £3,000 for conservation.

Citrine Wagtail: A female visited Swillington Ings (West Yorks) briefly on 19^th April, with a first-summer female at Kelling Water Meadows (Norfolk) on 25^th. A male then arrived at Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 30^th April.

Black-headed Wagtail: Following a male at Marloes Mere (Pembs) on 12^th-13^th May, further singles were reported at Filey NCCP (North Yorks) on 28^th, Winwick (Cheshire) on 29^th-30^th and Ynyslas RSPB (Ceredigion) on 30^th.

Bohemian Waxwing: This year’s wintering population was estimated to be in the region of 6,000 birds, with January’s peak count of 360 at Old Moor (South Yorks) on 16^th. Large numbers then lingered with odd birds still being seen in early June!

Black-bellied Dipper: An extremely popular individual remained on the River Thet in Thetford (Norfolk) from December 2012 until 30^th March where incredibly it was joined by a second individual from 21^st-28^th March. The latter was then seen at Liston Mill, Long Melford, on the Essex/Suffolk border, on 27^th April.

Thrush Nightingale: In Shetland, one was on Fair Isle from 8^th-10^th May with two more there on 29^th-30^th and another at Virkie Willows on 30^th, whilst further south down the East Coast, a first-year showed exceptionally well at Hartlepool Headland (Cleveland) from 19^th-21^st May and an elusive male sang from dense scrub at Sammy’s Point, Easington (East Yorks), from 31^st May until 6^th June.

White-spotted Bluethroat: An above average influx with single males at Portland Bill (Dorset) on 23^rd-24^th March, Bembridge Harbour (Isle of Wight) from 26^th March until 6^th April, Prawle Point (South Devon) on 30^th March, Weston, Portland (Dorset) on 30^th March until 1^st April, Dungeness RSPB (Kent) on 31^st March, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe (Kent) on 1^st-2^nd April, Chesil Cove, Portland (Dorset), on 1^st-6^th April, Melksham (Wilts) on 2^nd April, Ashleworth Ham (Gloucs) on 3^rd April, St Agnes (Scilly) on 5^th April, Start Point (South Devon) on 6^th April, Keyhaven Marshes (Hants) on 11^th April, Hopton-on-Sea (Norfolk) on 16^th April and females at Samphire Hoe CP, Dover (Kent), on 27^th March to 3^rd April and Portland Bill (Dorset) on 28^th March to 2^nd April. Much later in the spring, singing males graced the reedbeds of Cley NWT (Norfolk) from 1^st-11^th June, Martin Mere WWT (Lancs) from 18^th-21^st June and Wat Tyler CP (Essex) from 19^th-23^rd June.

Red-spotted Bluethroat: A singing male that arrived at Girdleness (Aberdeenshire) and four more in Shetland the same day marked the arrival of no fewer than 45 birds between 10^th and 31^st May, as usual the vast majority on Shetland and the Northern Isles. Just one was then recorded in June – on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 11^th.

Red-flanked Bluetail: A male was reported from Burnham Overy Dunes (Norfolk) on 7^th April and was shortly followed by a female at Horsey Gap (Norfolk) on 14^th April. Norfolk is by far the best county for this ever-increasing Siberian waif.

Rock Thrush: In East Yorkshire, a rather drab first-summer female arrived at Spurn on 25^th April before quickly moving to neighbouring Kilnsea, where it remained, much to the relief of post ’93 twitchers, until dusk the following day.

Desert Wheatear: The sixth January record for Britain involved a wintering first-winter female at Rattray Head (Aberdeenshire) from November 2012 until 26^th March. Having spent just under four months in residence, it became the longest staying individual ever.

White’s Thrush: Incredibly, one had been recorded remotely by a camera trap set to capture images of Wildcats at the Ledmore & Migdale Woodland Trust Reserve near Bonar Bridge (Highland) on 31^st January.

Black-throated Thrush: A male visited a garden in Banchory (Aberdeenshire) from 24^th-27^th March constituting the first record for this recording region of NE Scotland.

Dusky Thrush: Bird of the spring for many was this first-winter female in Margate Cemetery (Kent) from 15^th-18^th May – only the 10^th individual ever to have been recorded in Britain and the first twitchable since the long-staying male in Hartlepool in winter 1959/60.

River Warbler: In Shetland, one was on Fair Isle on 5^th-6^th June, this locality by far attracting the most numbers this Millenium.

Savi’s Warbler: In East Anglia, reeling males were at Hickling Broad (Norfolk) on 12^th-26^th May, Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) from 12^th May into June and at Lakenheath Fen RSPB (Suffolk) from 25^th May until 7^th June, whilst elsewhere, five others were recorded including males at Man Sands Marsh, Brixham (South Devon), on 30^th May and Old Moor RSPB (South Yorks) on 17^th June.

Paddyfield Warbler: With an estimated 850,000 pairs now present in the wider Western Palearctic region, it comes as no surprise to see incidences of this species increasing in spring. In May, a singing male lingered on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) from 20^th-24^th and an adult was trapped and ringed on Shorne Marshes RSPB, Gravesend (Kent), on 31^st, whilst in June, singles were on Bardsey Island (Gwynedd) on 7^th and Fair Isle on 16^th.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler: In Shetland, one was on Fair Isle on 27^th-31^st May, while further singles were identified on Fetlar on 29^th May, Sandwick on 30^th May

Marsh Warbler: Following the first trapped and ringed at Landguard Point (Suffolk) on 14^th May, eight more arrived between 16^th and 31^st May along the east and south coasts, and another 16 were logged from Orkney and Shetland. June typically saw the peak passage, with at least 38 singing males recorded. Unusual so far north and west were singing males in North Locheyenort, North Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 24^th May and in Uig Harbour, Skye (Highland) from 17^th-28^th June.

Great Reed Warbler: A singing male was at Church Farm Pools, Grimley (Worcs), on 14^th May, followed by another at East Chevington South Pool (Northumberland) on 19^th-21^st May. Further individuals appeared at Buckland, near Dover (Kent) and on Out Skerries (Shetland) on 31^st May.

Icterine Warbler: The first appeared on Shetland on Fair Isle on 8^th May, followed by 37 more, predominantly on the Northern Isles and along the east coast from East Yorkshire northwards, between 15^th May and early June.

Melodious Warbler: A quiet spring by recent standards with singles on Fair Isle on 16^th May and a popular singing male at Broom Wood, Tiln (Notts) from 20^th June into July.

Western Subalpine Warbler: The first overwintering record for Britain involved a first-year in St Just gardens (Cornwall) from November 2012 until 23^rd January. This was followed in spring by single males at Holes Bay, Poole Harbour (Dorset), on 19^th April, Mynydd Mawr, Aberdaron (Gwynedd), on 19^th-30^th April, Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs) on 20^th-23^rd April, Portland Bill (Dorset) on 21^st April, St David’s Head (Pembs) on 23^rd-27^th April, Carn Vean, St Agnes (Scilly) on 25^th April, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 25^th-26^th April, Cruden Bay (Aberdeenshire) on 14^th-16^th May, Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria) on 15^th-18^th May and Bardsey Island (Gwynedd) on 3^rd June and females on Bardsey Island (Gwynedd) on 7^th May, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 8^th-11^th May, Skokholm (Pembs) on 16^th May, Scatness (Shetland) on 28^th May, Skomer (Pembs) on 29^th May to 5^th June and at Great Ormes Head (Conwy) on 8^th-9^th June. Further males visited Fair Isle on 3^rd-14^th & 17^th-27^th June while a female was there on 26^th June, with another male on Foula on 19^th June.

In Ireland, a male was at Inch Strand (Co. Cork) on 7^th-8^th May, with a female on Copeland Island (Co. Down) on 26^th May.

Eastern Subalpine Warbler: An exceptionally obliging male entertained a stream of admirers at Landguard NR (Suffolk) on 26^th-27^th April, while a female was trapped and ringed on Fair Isle on 25^th May. A first-summer male was then trapped at Portland Bill Bird Observatory (Dorset) on 2^nd June.

Sardinian Warbler: a male was trapped and ringed at St Abb’s Head (Borders) on 30^th June – the first occurrence of this Mediterranean species in several years.

Barred Warbler: In Northumberland, a first-summer frequented isolated pines near Snook House, Holy Island, on 20^th-21^st May.

Greenish Warbler: A singing male was at Scarborough Castle (North Yorks) on 28^th May, with another at Gibraltar Point (Lincs) on 29^th-31^st May. June then saw 5 further arrivals with a very popular singing male at Turton Golf Course (Lancs) from 13^th-18^th and others at Quendale (Shetland) on 1^st, St Agnes (Scilly) on 3^rd, Portland Bill (Dorset) on 16^th and on Skokholm (Pembs) on 18^th.

Arctic Warbler: In Shetland, one was on Skaw, Whalsay, on 23^rd June.

Pallas’s Leaf Warbler: On the Berkshire/Hampshire border, a male lingered at Moor Green Lakes NR, Yateley, from 3^rd January until 16^th April, singing during its last week of residency.

Western Bonelli’s Warbler: One visited Church Norton, Pagham Harbour (West Sussex), on 22^nd-23^rd April.

Iberian Chiffchaff: Singing males were reported at Soap Rock, Lizard (Cornwall), on 20^th April, Lower Moors, St Mary’s (Scilly), on 24^th-26^th April, Boldon Flats NR (County Durham) on 24^th April whilst a calling individual was identified at Flamborough Head (East Yorks) on 25^th-30^th April. There were further reports in May (at Llanelli, South Wales, on 6^th and at St Loy, Cornwall, on 16^th) and a long-staying singing male in South Wales in June.

Yellow-browed Warbler: Overwintering birds included singles near Dinas Cross (Pembs) on 5^th January, St Austell (Cornwall) on 14^th January, with 1-2 at Gwennap Sewage Treatment Works, Redruth (Cornwall), from 23^rd January until 2^nd March.

Dusky Warbler: On the Isles of Scilly, one remained on Lower Moors, St Mary’s (Scilly), until 11^th January.

Red-breasted Flycatcher: The first to arrive was a male at Grutness (Shetland) on 8^th May – followed subsequently by 3 more on the archipelago and 5 in Scotland – at Rattray Head (Aberdeenshire) on 11^th, St Fergus (Aberdeenshire) on 19^th and on the Isle of May (Fife) on 28^th. Elsewhere along the east coast, 9 more were seen, with 3 additional birds in June – on Fair Isle on 2^nd, at Lowestoft (Suffolk) on 3^rd and on Foula on 22^nd.

White-collared Flycatcher: A first-summer male showed well at Low Newton-by-the-Sea (Northumberland) on 8^th-9^th May, with another at Skaw, Whalsay (Shetland), from 10^th-16^th May and a third at Sammy’s Point, Easington (East Yorks), on 18^th May. A first-summer female was trapped and ringed on Fair Isle on 9^th June, while the fifth of the spring – a new record and another male – was at Stoer Lighthouse, Lochinver (Highland) on 12^th June.

Penduline Tit: In Kent, one was initially seen at Stodmarsh NNR on 5^th January before giving itself up to allcomers close to the Lampen Wall from 6^th February until 22^nd April; an additional bird was also seen at nearby Grove Ferry NR on 8^th February, while elsewhere in the county, 1-2 were again at Dungeness RSPB from 8^th February intermittently until 20^th April. One also visited Rainham Marshes RSPB (London) on 17^th February.

Golden Oriole: Less than ten arrived in April but did include lingering males at Cemlyn Bay (Anglesey) on 17^th-22^nd and at Pennington Marshes (Hants) on 27^th-29^th whilst in May, 26 occurred including just one singing male at Lakenheath Fen RSPB (Suffolk). A further 15 appeared more typically in June.

In Ireland, a male was on Inishbofin (Co. Galway) on 22^nd-24^th April, with two further birds at Hook Head (Co. Wexford) in May on 8^th-14^th and 14^th May respectively. One was also seen on Dursey Island (Co. Cork) on 4^th June.

Red-backed Shrike: Arrival took place in Orkney and Shetland from 9^th May and by the end of that month, no fewer than 136 individuals had been logged in Scotland. At least 75 more were recorded from the English east coast from 12^th May, with isolated single males at Portland Bill (Dorset) on 22^nd May, Barnes WWT (London) on 25^th-26^th and Pewley Downs (Surrey) on 26^th. Just under 60 appeared in June including a male at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 19^th.

Lesser Grey Shrike: One was on Holy Island (Northumberland) on 19^th-20^th May.

Great Grey Shrike: The first winter period saw no less than 27 wintering individuals, some locations such as Therfield Heath (Herts) and Sixpenny Handley (Dorset) attracting two birds.

Woodchat Shrike: Following a male at Kenidjack Valley, St Just (Cornwall), on 15^th April and a female at Efford Marsh (South Devon) on 18^th April, further singles in spring were at Wembury (South Devon) on 20^th April, Pelistry, St Mary’s (Scilly), on 20^th April to 14^th May, Hendre (Gwynedd) on 20^th-27^th April, Cot Valley (Cornwall) on 20^th-29^th April, North Widcombe Common (Avon) on 21^st-30^th April, St David’s Head (Pembs) on 21^st-30^th April, Barton Bendish (Suffolk) on 25^th April to 6^th May, Telegraph, St Mary’s (Scilly), on 28^th-29^th April, Trevilley Farm, Land’s End (Cornwall) on 28^th April to 2^nd May, The Lizard (Cornwall) on 30^th April, Brandon Marsh (Warks) on 2^nd May, Cromer Golf Course (Norfolk) on 6^th May, Newlyn (Cornwall) on 6^th-9^th May, Gwenter (Cornwall) on 7^th-11^th May, Lowestoft North Denes (Suffolk) on 19^th May, on Tiree (Argyll) on 19^th-21^st May, Kenfig Pool (South Glamorgan) on 22^nd-25^th May, Southbourne (Dorset) on 22^nd May, Ramsey Island (Pembs) on 26^th May, Foula (Shetland) on 28^th May, Uskmouth NR, Newport (Gwent), on 28^th May, the Isle of May (Fife) on 31^st May to 1^st June, Baltasound, Unst (Shetland) on 1^st June, Winspit (Dorset) on 2^nd June, St David’s (Pembs) on 2^nd June, Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 7^th June and Sennen Cove (Cornwall) on 18^th-19^th June. In addition, a male of the Balearic form was identified at Pierowall, Westray (Orkney), on 26^th May.

In Ireland, singles appeared at Courtmacsherry (Co. Cork) on 27^th April, Lady’s Island Lake (Co. Wexford) on 2^nd-5^th May, Ring Marsh (Co. Wexford) on 4^th-6^th May and Hook Head (Co. Wexford) on 14^th May.

Rose-coloured Starling: The popular first-winter remained in gardens in Exminster (South Devon) from 1^st January until 23^rd April, during which time it had completed its moult. A first-summer was then in gardens at Orford (Suffolk) from 23^rd-29^th April, with later adults on the Calf of Man (Isle of Man) on 8^th-16^th June, Edmonton (London) on 9^th June, Wells Quay (Norfolk) on 18^th-22^nd June, Finstown (Orkney) on 18^th-21^st June and at Newquay (Cornwall) on 25^th June.

Eurasian Serin: A male at Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 24^th March proved to be the first of the spring with 15 more recorded in April (including one trapped and ringed at Gibraltar Point NNR, Lincs, on 27^th), 9 in May and 5 in June.

Hornemann’s Arctic Redpoll: In Shetland, a first-winter was seen on Unst at Haroldswick on 15^th January, while in Argyll, one visited Loch Gruinart RSPB on Islay on 19^th April. In Orkney in May, a singing male on North Ronaldsay remained from 4^th-7^th.

Common Rosefinch: A first-winter remained in a Broadstone garden, Bournemouth (Dorset) from 28^th January until 10^th April while in spring, 55 appeared in May from 17^th and 15 in June. Most popular were singing males at Strathtummel (Perth & Kinross) from 12^th June into July and at Porth Eilian (Anglesey) on 21^st-29^th June whilst in Ireland, one reached Great Saltee (Co. Wexford) on 19^th June.

Pine Grosbeak: In Shetland, a first-winter male first photographed at Almara, Urafirth on 1^st November 2012 was re-photographed at nearby North Collafirth on 29^th January. A subsequent search by locals saw an eventual relocation on 2^nd February and then the scene was set for a dramatic twitch. Once it had become available, this incredibly obliging bird performed at distances down to just a few feet, ranging between up to 11 different conifer plantations in the vicinity until 23^rd February. It represented the third record for Shetland (following singles at Lerwick from 25^th March to 25^th April 1992 and at Maywick on 9^th November 2000) and only the 12^th for Britain (where most recently birds on the mainland were on Holy Island, Northumberland, on 11^th-12^th May 1975 and at Easington, East Yorks, on 8^th-10^th November 2004). Throughout February, it attracted a steady stream of very appreciative admirers, with perhaps 600 making the pilgrimage prior to its departure.

White-throated Sparrow: In Somerset, one remained in a private Churchstanton garden from 23^rd January until 3^rd March whilst in South Lincolnshire, one did the same in Spalding on 28^th May.

Ortolan Bunting: An early male appeared on the causeway at Longham Lakes, Bournemouth (Dorset), on 8^th May, followed by singles on Fair Isle on 12^th-19^th, Foula (Shetland) on 17^th, Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 17^th, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea (Northumberland) on 21st and on Fair Isle on 10^th-14^th June.

Rustic Bunting: Single males were on Holy Island (Northumberland) on 19^th May, Fair Isle on 19^th May & 3^rd June and on Foula (Shetland) on 28^th-29^th May.

Little Bunting: Singles were noted at Slaughterhouse Combe (Somerset) on 5^th March, Rawcliffe Moss (Lancs) on 13^th March (trapped & ringed), Elba Park, Houghton-le-Spring (County Durham) on 8^th-23^rd April, Skaw, Unst (Shetland), on 28^th May and on Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 30^th May.

Lapland Bunting: The wintering population was in the region of around 100 birds, with 60 of those at Rosenannon Downs (Cornwall) and at least 30 in North Norfolk. In Ireland, one was seen at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 9^th February.

Black-headed Bunting: A female showed well on the Farne Islands (Northumberland) on 30^th May whilst males appeared at Compton Bay (Isle of Wight) on 9^th-11^th June and at Mainsriddle (Dumfries & Galloway) on 22^nd June.

Indigo Bunting: On Anglesey, an adult visited a garden feeder at Llansadwrn during the evening of 20^th May – only the third occurrence since singles at Wells Woods (Norfolk) in October 1988 and on Ramsey Island (Pembs) in October 1996.