Rare & Scarce Birds in Britain & Ireland in 2014

RARE BIRDS & SCARCE MIGRANTS IN BRITAIN & IRELAND IN 2014: A Review of the Year

So that was 2014 over – a whopping 447 species recorded overall – just one less than last year and the third best year ever (see chart below detailing annual totals in Britain and Ireland since Year 2000). It was also the warmest year since records began in 2010 and the 4^th wettest.

There was just a single new species for the list in 2014 – a Bermuda Petrel seen off Ireland in May. This was also the first for the Western Palearctic. Otherwise, one could argue that Kent’s Chinese Pond Heron was new, although one (accepted on to Category E by the BOURC) has already occurred in Norfolk and Hampshire. The Systematic List that follows highlights the major ornithological rarity events that headlined during the year – a somewhat sumptuous array of lost waifs.........

PACIFIC DIVER

In Ireland, one was at Lough Fea (Co. Tyrone) from 19^th January to 2^nd February with another off Kilcolgan Point, Tawin (Co. Galway) on 5^th April. On 22^nd November, the adult reappeared for its 7^th consecutive winter in Mount’s Bay, Penzance (Cornwall), with that at Finvarra Point (Co. Clare) being seen again on 29^th November.

WHITE-BILLED DIVER

One or two remained in the Bluemull Sound between Fetlar and Yell (Shetland) throughout January to March whilst an incredibly confiding and popular second-winter attracted large numbers of admirers in Brixham Harbour (Devon) until 18^th January and again from 2^nd-4^th February. That on South Ronaldsay at St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney) reappeared from 11^th-14^th January with one or two reports from the Aberdeenshire coastline during February. Up to 17 were then recorded in the cold waters between Portsoy and Burghead during March-April, as well as up to 7 off of the usual headlands on the Isle of Lewis (Outer Hebrides). Three regular birds reappeared in Shetland and Orkney in November, while one flew south past Filey Brigg & Flamborough Head (Yorkshire) on 1^st December.

PIED-BILLED GREBE

A long-staying individual remained at Balranald RSPB, North Uist (Outer Hebrides) until 19^th April with another at Sruhill Lough, Achill Island (Co. Mayo) from mid March to 16^th April whilst spring migrants appeared at Rutland Water (Leics) on 9^th-10^th April and at Loch Thom (Clyde) from 24^th-29^th April.

FEA’S SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL

One was seen off Spurn Point (East Yorks) on the exceptionally early date of 10^th February, while far more usual were a plethora of reports from coastal sites from 13^th July onwards, including singles off Easington (East Yorks) on 13^th July, Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 5^th August, Flamborough Head (East Yorks) on 21^st September (where it was remarkably tracked heading north from at least 12 other sites north to Northumberland) and off Gigha (Argyll) on 24^th October. At least 15 were recorded from Irish seawatching locations between 10^th August and 15^th October, with one seen well at sea 20km SSE of Galley Head on 10^th October.

NORTH ATLANTIC LITTLE SHEARWATER

One was photographed 100km WSW of the Skelligs (Co. Kerry) on 21^st September

WILSON’S STORM PETREL

As expected, the vast majority of records came from Scilly where pelagic trips regularly encountered 1-3 individuals from 14^th July to 24^th August, weather conditions allowing. In Ireland, further pelagic trips yielded up to 5 off Galley Head (Co. Cork) on 22^nd & 24^th July and 1 off Blacksod Bay (Co. Mayo) on 19^th July, while Bridges of Ross (Co. Clare) yielded singles on 8^th, 12^th & 30^th August.

SWINHOE’S STORM PETREL

The adult male trapped on Fair Isle in 2013 and present from 7^th August to 3^rd September reappeared again this summer, being re-trapped on the isle no less than seven times between 9^th July and 1^st August, whilst in SW Ireland, one flew quickly past Bridges of Ross (Co. Clare) on 25^th August.

BERMUDA PETREL

The first for the Western Palearctic was seen and photographed 315 km WNW of Slea Head (Co. Kerry) on 19^th May.

BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS

One was seen off Portland Bill (Dorset) at 0700 hours on 5^th July.

LITTLE BITTERN

A ‘barking’ male was at Elton Reservoir (Greater Manchester) on 25^th-26^th May, with another at Gosforth Park (Northumberland) from 22^nd-27^th June. At the regular site in Somerset, just one male returned this summer and breeding was not seen to have taken place.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON

The first to appear in spring was on the Isles of Scilly at Lower Moors, St Mary’s, on 17^th-20^th March, followed by singles on Shetland at Reawick on 18^th-21^st April (found dead) and Quendale & Spiggie from 18^th-30^th April and at Leaswowe (Wirral) on 23^rd-27^th April. An adult was seen at Shapwick Heath NNR (Somerset) in May, with further singles at Cosmeston Lakes (Cardiff) on 12^th-15^th June, Pittville Park, Cheltenham (Gloucs) from 12^th-13^th June & 6^th July into August, Ham Wall RSPB (Somerset) from 20^th June to 15^th July (up to 3 individuals), Bough Beech Reservoir (Kent) from 13^th-16^th July and at Seeswood Pool, Nuneaton (Warks), from 19^th July to 5^th August. At the end of the year, a juvenile roosted in Riverside Park, Burnham-on-Crouch (Essex) on 30^th December.

CATTLE EGRET

In the first winter period, singles were noted in Cornwall, Devon, Buckinghamshire, County Down and County Waterford, with a spate of migrants in early March and April. Up to 3 remained at Dungeness (Kent) in May and June, with 2 summering at Tacumshin Lake (Co. Wexford) and non-breeders at Huntspill (Somerset) on 9^th June, Brading Marshes (Isle of Wight) on 9^th June and Whitley Bay (Northumberland) on 1^st July. What appeared to be a family party then appeared at Frampton-on-Severn (Gloucs), with 3 birds present from 27^th July to 5^th August, and other post-breeding youngsters at Susworth (Lincs) on 3^rd-5^th August and at Marsh Farm, Sidlesham (West Sussex), from 31^st July into September. A further influx of at least 8 individuals took place in September and October, with 2-3 in the Dungeness & Rye Harbour areas staying into 2015.

SQUACCO HERON

The only record of the year involved a near-adult at the north end of the Ouse Washes RSPB reserve (Cambs) on 9-10^th June.

CHINESE POND HERON

Only the second-ever for Britain – a first-winter – frequented garden ponds and utility ponds in Hythe (Kent) from 20^th January before being shot sometime in mid March.

GREAT WHITE EGRET

Further breeding took place in Somerset this year with at least 4 young fledging, while wintering numbers in the first winter period averaged 43 birds and 57 birds in the second, Dungeness once again attracting up to 12 individuals.

PURPLE HERON

Another poor year with the odd spring migrant (on St Mary’s, Scilly, on 25^th March, at Millbrook, Cornwall, on 2^nd-3^rd April, Kinsale, Cork, on 13^th April, Dungeness, Kent, on 22^nd April & 1^st-2^nd May, Kenfig Pool, South Glam, on 30^th April, St Martin’s, Scilly, on 9^th-11^th May and in Cornwall, Pembs, Scilly & Suffolk in May). In mid-summer, a handful of sightings, with singles on Skomer (Pembs) on 11^th June, Dale (Pembs) on 13^th June, Ham Wall RSPB (Somerset) on 18^th June, Clodgy Point, St Ives (Cornwall) on 22^nd June and Blashford Lakes HWT (Hants) on 4^th July. Late summer saw one move from Oulton Broad (Suffolk) on 26^th July to Claxton (Norfolk) later the same day then onto Salthouse, Cley and Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 1^st August before moving inland to Sculthorpe Fen, Fakenham (Norfolk), where it was last seen on 5^th September; elsewhere, others were seen at Glynde (East Sussex) on 3^rd August and North Curry Moor (Somerset) on 3^rd & 6^th August, with a long-staying juvenile at South Huish Marsh (Devon) in September. In November, a juvenile showed well on Anglesey at Capel Gwyn near Valley from 18^th-25^th November.

BLACK STORK

One drifted slowly over Whixall Moss (Salop) on 28^th April, with one then passing from west to east over Colwyn Bay (Denbighshire) and sites in Gtr Manchester, Yorkshire and North Lincs during 20^th-26^th May. Elsewhere, singles were seen in Sussex on 27^th May, the Outer Hebrides on 31^st May, North Devon on 31^st May and at a number of sites in East Anglia on 3^rd-5^th June and then at Newby (Yorks) on 10^th June. At the latter enmd of the year, a juvenile bearing a white German ring flew over St Osyth (Essex) on 15^th November before being relocated at Trimley Marshes (Suffolk) on 15^th-16^th. It was then seen in flight over Hazelwood Marshes (Suffolk) on 17^th November, Waxham (Norfolk) on 20^th November and Bradwell, Great Yarmouth (Norfolk) on 24^th November.

GLOSSY IBIS

In the first winter period, some 25 or so individuals were present in Britain and 5 in Ireland, with most remaining until June. At one location (Frampton Marsh RSPB in Lincs), a pair bond was established between two birds with nest-building resulting but no nesting activity following. By the end of the summer, some 16 individuals were still semi-resident but by December, just two were to be found – in Cambridgeshire and in County Waterford.

AMERICAN WHITE IBIS

A juvenile of unknown origin was present at Sevenoaks NR (Kent) from late November into 2015. An adult was recorded within a tree-nesting colony of Spoonbills, herons & egrets in The Netherlands in summer 2014, perhaps that recorded in east Kent in previous years.

TRUMPETER SWAN

A pair frequented kale crops at Boyton Marshes (Suffolk) throughout December but were found to have originated from a private collection near Wickham Market.

ROSS’S SNOW GOOSE

In Lancashire, the first-winter of unknown origin remained with Mallard at Marshside Marsh RSPB until at least early January. In autumn, a regular adult reappeared from Greenland/Iceland with Pink-footed Geese, roosting in Aberlady Bay (Lothian) on 27^th-29^th September.

RED-BREASTED GOOSE

An adult remained with Pink-footed Geese in the Solway Firth at Loaningfleet (Dumfries & Galloway) until 22^nd April with that regularly wintering on the South Coast with Dark-bellied Brent Geese at Keyhaven Marshes and Needs Ore Point (Hampshire) from 13^th-18^th January. An additional first-winter then appeared on the Solway in early March, that bird being last reported on 15^th. The Hampshire adult moved to Poole Harbour (Dorset) on 30^th March, before moving east to Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch Harbour (Dorset) from 31^st March to 3^rd April and migrating east with Brent Geese past Seaford Head and Birling Gap, Beachy Head (East Sussex) later on 3^rd April. In November, an adult was with Greylag Geese in the Loch of Harray/Tormiston area of Orkney from 10^th-25^th.

RUDDY SHELDUCK

Few records of substance during the year other than a pair in Pagham Harbour (West Sussex) from January to March and again during August to December, a pair at Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) from late June through December and a female at South Huish Marsh (Devon) in November-December.

AMERICAN WOOD DUCK

A drake, considered to be of Nearctic origin, was on South Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 27^th-30^th March.

AMERICAN BLACK DUCK

The regular County Mayo drake was on the Mullet peninsular at Termoncarragh and Sruhill Loughs until at least early May with that other in Highland at Loch Sunart at Strontian again with Mallard from 6^th February to 26^th March.

AMERICAN WIGEON

In the first winter period, 5 were present (including one in Ireland) with singles in spring on Tiree (Argyll) on 21^st April to 9^th June and 5 others in Scotland and the Northern Isles. In autumn, the first 3 appeared in September (Loch Leven on 23^rd-28^th, Sanday, Orkney, from 29^th to 2^nd October and in County Donegal at Inch lake from 30^th) followed by 10 in October and at least 3 more in November.

BLUE-WINGED TEAL

A drake was at the Loch of Bosquoy (Orkney) on 18^th January, with a regular bird near Threave (Dumfries & Galloway) from 15^th February to 1^st March. A migrant drake touched down briefly at Stanwick GP (Northants) on 1^st April, with others in spring at The Shunan (Orkney) on 13^th April, Sandwich Bay (Kent) on 22^nd-29^th April and at Beamish’s Pool, Clonakilty (Co. Cork) on 27^th May. The Orkney drake then flew south to spend most of June (14^th-28^th at least) at the RSPB’s Loch of Strathbeg reserve in Aberdeenshire.

BAIKAL TEAL

An adult drake of unknown origin was at Fen Drayton Lakes RSPB (Cambs) from 15^th March to 4^th April before moving NE to the Ouse Washes where it was last reported on 3^rd May.

FERRUGINOUS DUCK

The almost resident drake of unknown origin was reported from Kingfisher Lake, Blashford (Hants) until 6^th March and then again from 10^th November into 2015. Another regular bird, a female, returned to Minsmere RSPB’s Island Mere (Suffolk) from 26^th March to 1^st April, with a drake at Dagenham Chase (London) on 30^th March & 2^nd April. The Minsmere female then reappeared again from 20^th August to 7^th September, with a first-winter female at Brogborough Lake (Beds) from 11^th-20^th November and a female at Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs) from 29^th December into 2015..

LESSER SCAUP

In the first winter period, regular drakes in Cardiff Bay at the Wetlands NR and Cosmeston Lakes (East Glamorgan) until 4^th March, Loch Watten/St John’s Loch (Caithness) until 5^th March and on Dozmary Pool, Bodmin Moor (Cornwall) until 9^th April, with females on South Uist (Outer Hebrides) until 9^th February and at Alturlie Point, east of Inverness (Moray) until at least 30^th March; additional birds included a drake at Tittesworth Reservoir (Staffs) from 14^th January to 27^th April, Holme Pierrpont (Notts) on 23^rd-24^th April, Ingbirchworth Reservoir (South Yorks) on 8^th May and at Frodsham Marsh (Cheshire) from 26^th May to 19^th June. Summering drakes then included singles at Sandbach Flashes (Cheshire) on 16-17^th June and Blagdon Lake (Somerset) from 28^th June to 6^th July, with singles noted just briefly at Loch Leven (Perth & Kinross) on 8^th July, Tittesworth Reservoir again on 10^th July and at Musselburgh (Lothian) on 17^th July. By the second winter period, regular drakes were being seen at Blagdon Lake and Chew Valley (Avon) from 7^th August and Cardiff Bay from 4^th September, with a nasal-saddled drake from Portugal at Llangorse Lake (Powys) from 7^th October into 2015, a female on Tiree (Argyll) from at least 11^th-30^th October, a drake at Wraysbury GP (Berks) from 29^th October to 6^th November

In Ireland, the usual drake was on Lough Gill (Co. Kerry) until March & from 22^nd October, with that or another at Lough Gara (Co. Sligo) on 29^th March and a female at Rahasane Turlough (Co. Galway) on 12^th October.

KING EIDER

Apart from 1 or 2 regularly wintering birds on Shetland and those in Aberdeenshire and Moray, two different females were present off Lothian, frequenting the coastline between Fidra and Gullane Bay into March; the usual Ythan Estuary drake reappeared on 25^th April, with another lingering off Burghead almost into May. In Ireland, one remained at Blacksod (Co. Mayo) until 4^th April, with another at Cahermore (Co. Cork) to 9^th March, with a further record from Narin Strand and Portnoo (Co. Donegal) from 17^th-26^th March. The second winter period saw very much the same returning birds, including the female to Ruddon’s Point, Largo Bay (Fife), from 30^th November.

NORTH AMERICAN BLACK SCOTER

An adult drake was with Common Scoters off Redcar (Cleveland) on 16^th-18^th June, with it or another off Lunan Bay (Angus & Dundee) from 20^th-31^st October.

SURF SCOTER

No less than 22 regular wintering birds in the first winter period (including up to 8 drakes off of Old Colwyn, North Wales) with a widespread influx in the second winter period, perhaps involving up to 30 birds.

BUFFLEHEAD

An adult drake visited a small quarry pool at Holm (Orkney) from 31^st October to 2^nd November.

SHORT-TOED SNAKE EAGLE

Most probably the highlight of the twitching year: a first-summer was located at Morden Bog, Dorset, on 31^st May and roosted overnight, delighting well over a thousand observers the following day; it then relocated to the New Forest where it was seen at Bishop’s Dyke, Beaulieu Road Station (Hants) on 8^th June before moving on to pastures equal in reptilian prey within Ashdown Forest (East Sussex), intermittently throughout June and early July. At this latter location, upwards of 3,500 birdwatchers visited to savour the delights of this majestic raptor – the first-ever to have been twitchable on the UK mainland. It was belatedly photographed at Thursley Common (Surrey) on 12^th July, after having returned to the New Forest for 3 days in the interim, before relocating to Norfolk Breckland, where it was to spend just under a month in the Grime’s Graves area from 19^th July to 17^th August.

BOOTED EAGLE

A pale morph drifted south over Sandwich Bay Golf Course (Kent) on 25^th May.

BLACK KITE

Virtually none was twitchable in 2014 other than an adult bearing a white ring in Suffolk in June to November, presumably an escape from captivity. Perhaps 7 arrived typically in March to May, flirting briefly with the South Coast in most cases.

NORTHERN HARRIER

A female-type was photographed flying north over Portland Bill (Dorset) on 21^st April.

PALLID HARRIER

Another highly productive autumn with juveniles noted on Foula (Shetland) on 31^st August, 17^th & 19^th September, Fair Isle on 8^th-17^th September, Easington (East Yorks) on 15^th September, Hillwell/Spiggie areas of south Shetland mainland from 17^th-21^st September, Tingwall Airport (Shetland) on 1^st & 4^th-5^th October, Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 18^th-19^th September, South Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 19^th & 29^th September, Minsmere RSPB & Thorpeness (Suffolk) on 21^st September, Fetlar (Shetland) on 7^th October, Loch of Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire) on 8^th October and at Steart WWT (Somerset) from 22^nd October until 7^th November, the latter being particularly popular and reliable.

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD

A widespread influx took place in Britain in autumn involving up to 44 juveniles, with 25 or more remaining into the New Year.

RED-FOOTED FALCON

A poor spring with just 2 in May (first-years at Portland Bill, Dorset, on 3^rd and at Summerleaze GP, Berks, on 6^th) and just one twitchable bird in summer – a first-summer at Porthgwarra (Cornwall) from 27^th June to 1^st July). Late summer saw the appearance of two more – both equally brief – at Hickling Broad (Norfolk) on 12^th July and Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) on 31^st July.

GYRFALCON

A couple of white morph first-winters were seen in January (at Gairloch, Highland, on 1^st and at Stromness, Orkney, on 2^nd) with another at Wick (Caithness) on 5^th February and further birds at Quarff (Shetland) on 27^th February and on North Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 28^th March.

LADY AMHERST’S PHEASANT

In Bedfordshire, 5 males were still surviving along the Greensand Ridge in 2014; the last female recorded was in 2001!

SORA CRAKE

One reappeared on St Mary’s (Scilly) in Lower Moors on 2^nd-3^rd February and again on 4th-10^th April.

LITTLE CRAKE

An adult female visited Black Hole Marsh, Seaton (Devon) on 4^th-5^th September, with a popular juvenile male at Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) from 4^th-13^th October.

BAILLON’S CRAKE

A calling male was at Oare Marshes (Kent) on 22^nd-23^rd May.

AMERICAN PURPLE GALLINULE

In Ireland, a first-summer male was found freshly dead on the Mullet peninsula at Carne (Co. Mayo) on 2^nd February.

AMERICAN COOT

A first-winter attracted large numbers of visitors at Loch Flemington (Moray) from 5^th January, remaining until 14^th April when seemingly paired with a local Moorhen! AQt the latter end of the year, two more were discovered: a first-winter on Lough Gill (Co. Kerry) from 5^th November into 2015 and another at Loch nam Feithean, Balranald RSPB, North Uist (Outer Hebrides) from 16^th November into 2015.

LITTLE BUSTARD

Single first-winters were noted at West Bexington (Dorset) on 18^th November, on the East Guldeford Levels, Rye (East Sussex) on 29^th November and at Fraisthorpe, SSW of Bridlington (East Yorks) on 31^st December to 1^st January 2015. Despite the purposeful release of up to 750 birds in NW France since 2005, popular belief is that these 3 (unringed) stragglers were more likely related to the small influx experienced in Bulgaria following harsh conditions further east.

BLACK-WINGED STILT

A bumper year which saw at least 5 pairs attempt to breed in Britain (several successfully) and a single flock of 10 individuals on the Isle of Wight and in Kent. The first to appear were the aforementioned party of 10 at Brading Marsh on 12^th April, followed by a pair at Bowers Marsh & Old Hall Marshes in Essex on 12^th-17^th April, the 10 at Dungeness (Kent) on 24^th April (at least 2 remaining into mid May), a pair at Medmerry RSPB (West Sussex) from 29^th April and singles at Sandwich Bay (Kent) on 2^nd May, Chard Junction (Dorset) on 4^th May, Lodmoor RSPB (Dorset) on 5^th May and Titchfield Haven NNR (Hants) on 6^th May. Well publicised breeding took place in West Sussex and North Kent, but was less trumpeted for pairs in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and elsewhere – at least 9 juveniles fledged. Subsequent family parties included 5 in Bracklesham Bay, Sidlesham Ferry & Pulborough Brooks RSPB (West Sussex) from 29^th July to 15^th August and 6 at Cavenham Pits (Suffolk) from 19^th July to 9^th August.

In Ireland, singles were also recorded at Finnemore Lakes (Co. Offaly) on 28^th May and Clogheen & White’s Marshes (Co. Cork) on 30^th-31^st May, with a bird in autumn at Doonbeg (Co. Clare) on 23^rd August.

COLLARED PRATINCOLE

A confiding first-summer was present on the golf course at Northam Burrows (North Devon) from 21^st-30^th April while in late summer, a moulting adult-type loafed on Minsmere RSPB’s East Scrape (Suffolk) from 15^th-27^th July before flying north to Ashington Pond (Northumberland) next day.

BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE

A bird in non-breeding plumage arrived with post-breeding Lapwings to Hauxley (Northumberland) on 12^th June, relocating south to Saltholme Pools RSPB (Cleveland) on 13^th June and Hurworth Burn Reservoir (Co. Durham) on 5^th-7^th July. It then continued south, where it appeared at Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs) briefly on 14^th July, Cley NWT Reserve (Norfolk) on 15^th July, Stiffkey Fen (Norfolk) on 16^th-17^th July and finally the Ouse Washes RSPB Reserve (Cambs) from 19^th July to 9^th August. A different individual was photographed in Cuckmere Haven (East Sussex) on 30^th July, shortly later flying south out to sea.

KENTISH PLOVER

Another very poor year with singles in April at Dawlish Warren NNR (Devon) on 18^th & 2^nd-3^rd May, Gibraltar Point (Lincs) on 19^th, Rye Harbour NR (East Sussex) on 26^th, Dawlish Warren again on 15^th May and on the island of Skye (Highland) at Dunvegan on 23^rd May. The only occurrence in the autumn was of a juvenile at Crymlyn Burrows on the Gower Peninsula on 18^th-20^th October.

PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER

Adults in breeding plumage appeared on North Ronaldsay from 23^rd July to 16^th August and Middleton Lakes RSPB (Staffs/Warks) from 26^th July to 2^nd August.

AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER

One was seen at Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 1^st March, with another at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 1^st June. In autumn, one visited Tarmon Hill on the Mullet (Co. Mayo) on 1^st July before a succession of deep Atlantic lows saw the arrival of 15 or more in Britain & Ireland from mid September onwards, including a particularly confiding juvenile on Davidstow Airfield in October.

GREAT KNOT

An adult in near full breeding plumage was present on Breydon Water (Norfolk) from 13^th-15^th July, the first to be recorded in the county.

BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER

One was photographed at the Alkborough Flats NR (North Lincs) on 16^th May, followed by singles at Nosterfield GP (North Yorks) on 25^th-26^th May, Holy Island (Northumberland) on 30^th May, Cowpen Marsh (Cleveland) on 2^nd June. On return passage, perhaps the same bird was on Jackson’s Marsh/Tennyson’s Sands, Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs) briefly over high tide on 29^th July.

TEREK SANDPIPER

A bird was in Cornwall at two different locations on 15^th-16^th May before a ridiculously confiding adult in breeding plumage graced Covenham Reservoir’s concrete bank (Lincs) from 19^th-21^st May. In late summer, one roosted over high tide at Kilnsea (East Yorks) on 7^th August, before continuing south to Far Ings NR (Lincs) on 12^th and Swalecliffe Beach (Kent) on 16^th August.

MARSH SANDPIPER

In the first case of over-wintering in the UK, one was present on North Uist (Outer Hebrides) from 30^th December 2013 to 11th March. In spring, singles appeared at Burton Pidsea (East Yorks) on 29^th April, while in autumn, an adult graced Aust Wharf, Frampton-on-Severn (Gloucs) from 28^th-30^th August.

GREAT SNIPE

One visited Foula (Shetland) from 24^th-27^th September while another was trapped & ringed during a lamplit ringing session near Llandindrod Wells (Powys) on 9^th October.

BAIRD’S SANDPIPER

Although none reliably occurred in Britain, Ireland saw two arrive in September with singles at Cross Lough (Co. Mayo) on 26^th-27^th and at Lenadoon Point (Co. Sligo) on 27^th.

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER

The first adult appeared at Tacumshin Pools (Co. Wexford)  on 9^th-10^th July, to be followed by further adults at Cresswell Pond (Northumberland) on 26^th July, Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs) on 28^th July to 8^th August, Pool of Virkie (Shetland) on 29^th-30^th July, Snettisham Pits (Norfolk) on 31^st July to 1^st August, Rush Hills Scrape, Hickling NR (Norfolk), on 1^st-9^th August, Frampton Marsh (Lincs) on 2^nd-3^rd August, Pilmore Strand (Co. Cork) on 17^th August, Tiree (Argyll) on 31^st August, Lough Neagh (Co. Antrim) on 16^th-21^st September, Blanket Nook (Co. Donegal) on 21^st September, South Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 5^th October

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER

A spring adult was on South Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 24^th May, while a juvenile was photographed at Keyhaven Marshes (Hants) on 19^th-20^th September.

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER

Singles were on Westray (Orkney) on 16^th-18^th May, Cowpen Marsh (Cleveland) on 2^nd-6^th June and in autumn at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) in October – the worst showing of this North American wader in Britain & Ireland in over 50 years.

LESSER YELLOWLEGS

A first-winter overwintered in Hampshire at Lepe Country Park and was last reported on 15^th  April whilst exceptional for the Home Counties, an adult in breeding plumage graced College Lake BBOWT reserve (Bucks) all day on 5^th May. There then followed a spate of spring migrants with singles at Beadnell Flash (Northumberland) on 8^th-10^th May, The Lizard (Cornwall) on 10^th-14^th May and on Benbecula (Outer Hebrides) on 11^th May moving to South Uist on 17^th May. The autumn period saw another good showing, with singles at Frampton Marsh (Lincs) from 11th-26^th July, Loch of Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire) on 29^th July, Croft Pascoe Pool (Cornwall) from 29^th August to 4^th September, Normandy Marsh (Hants) on 5^th-9^th September (relocating to nearby Titchfield Haven NNR from 11^th-29^th September), Blanket Nook (Co. Donegal) on 6^th-19^th September, Skomer (Pembs) on 11^th-12^th September (then at Marloes Mere on 15^th-17^th), Rogerstown Estuary (Co. Dublin) from 1^st October into 2015, The Gearagh (Co. Cork) on 2^nd-5^th October, Copperhouse Creek, Hayle Estuary (Cornwall) from 21^st October to 2^nd December, Moyasta Creek, Poulnasherry (Co. Clare) from 27^th October into 2015, Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour (Dorset) on 8^th December and at Pett Level (East Sussex) from 25^th December into 2015.

SOLITARY SANDPIPER

One remained in the Duncormick area of County Wexford from 7^th-14^th October.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER

A long-staying bird remained at Sruhill Lough on Achill Island (Co. Mayo) from mid January until 23^rd April, with spring migrants in breeding plumage in Britain on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 2^nd May, Farmoor Reservoir (Oxfordshire) on 7^th & 10^th-12^th May, Draycote Water (Warks) on 7^th May, Unst (Shetland) on 15^th-16^th May and at Potteric Carr (South Yorks) on 18^th May. Mid-summer, a spotted adult made a surprise visit to Baron’s Haugh RSPB (Clyde) on 6^th July, remaining in the area for a week, while in autumn, a juvenile remained in Inverallochy Bay (Aberdeenshire) from 19^th October into 2015.

STILT SANDPIPER

An adult moulting out of summer plumage (and presumably the same adult visiting the UK for over 10 years) appeared at Swim Coots/Rush Hills Scrape, Hickling Broad (Norfolk) on 11^th-12^th July before relocating to Cresswell Pond and Druridge Pools (Northumberland) from 29^th July to 13^th August. Whether or not it was the adult then present at Tacumshin Pools  (Co. Wexford) on 2^nd-3^rd September is open to conjecture, this individual then ranging east to Lady’s Island lake on 10^th and Rosslare Back Strand on 12^th-13^th before moving north to the Swords Estuary (Co. Dublin) on 4^th-7^th September.

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER

A regular bird reappeared at Pennington Marshes (Hampshire) from 20^th January to 15^th April with a migrant at Dungeness RSPB (Kent) briefly on 1^st May. In autumn, an adult visited Lough Boora Parklands (Co. Offaly) from 18^th-25^th August.

SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER

The bird first seen on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) earlier in the autumn of 2013 reappeared there briefly on 7th-10^th January.

SLENDER-BILLED GULL

An adult in breeding plumage was photographed from the Parrinder Hide on the Titchwell RSPB scrape (Norfolk) on 26^th May, the bird remaining on view for just less than an hour.

BONAPARTE’S GULL

Two regular adults appeared in January at Dawlish Warren NNR (Devon) and at Lochgilphead in Argyll, with that in Cardfiff Bay showing up regularly during February and March. Elsewhere, an adult was in Thurso Harbour (Caithness) on 25^th-27^th February and in neighbouring Scrabster Harbour on 11^th March with migrants in spring at Dingle Harbour (Co. Kerry) on 23^rd April, Marsh Lane NR (West Midlands) on 1^st May, Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs) on 5^th May, Tacumshin Lake (Co. Wexford) on 8^th-11^th May (with 2 on 5^th) and at Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham (Devon), from late April until 21^st June; one also visited Tresco Great Pool (Scilly) on 19^th June. In late summer, an adult reappeared at Oare Marshes (Kent) from 17^th July to 7^th September, with that on the NE coast back at Cleadon (Co. Durham) on 21^st August, moving back to Whitburn on 11^th-13^th September.  The Dawlish Warren adult returned on 19^th October, with singles noted on the Farne Islands on 23^rd November, the Rising Sun Country Park (Northumberland) on 29^th November and back at Loch Gilp (Argyll) from 1^st December.

NORTH AMERICAN HERRING GULL

A first-winter was identified at Burry Holms on the Gower on 5^th-6^th January with another in Cobh Harbour (Co. Cork) on 2^nd February, while further singles appeared at Campbeltown Harbour (Argyll) from 15^th February to 15^th March, on the Mullet (Co. Mayo) from 17^th February to 23^rd March, Cruisetown Strand (Co. Louth) on 2^nd March and Portmagee (Co. Kerry) on 9^th-25^th March.

SLATY-BACKED GULL

An adult visited Nimmo’s Pier, Galway Harbour (Co. Galway) on 8^th February

AUDOUIN’S GULL

An immature was photographed at Dungeness Beach (Kent) on 12^th October.

ROSS’S GULL

One was seen at Salthill (Co. Galway) on 4^th January with another at North Bull Island (Co. Dublin) from 15^th-28^th January and further singles at Kinsale Marsh (Co. Cork) from late February to 9^th March, Ringsend (Co. Dublin) on 7^th-27^th February and Lady’s Island Lake (Co. Wexford) on 20^th February. In Britain, first-winters were seen at Leighton Moss RSPB (Lancs) on 9^th February and at Aberavon (South Glamorgan) on 9^th-16^th February. What was perhaps the latter individual was relocated at Bowling Green Marsh RSPB, Topsham (South Devon) in May, the bird surviving on the freshwater pools until most likely dying of a virus on 2^nd August.

THAYER’S GULL

A juvenile was photographed in Mirfield (West Yorks) on 27^th-28^th December, roosting nearby on Pugney’s Country Park Lake, Wakefield, on 28^th.

IVORY GULL

Following the marked influx during December 2013, a juvenile attracted large numbers of admirers at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) from 8^th-24^th January with another at Cromane (Co. Kerry) on 30^th-31^st January. At the year’s end, a juvenile appeared on Benbecula (Outer Hebrides) on 13^th December, showing well in the vicinity until 18^th. A second juvenile then appeared in Uig Harbour, Skye, on 23^rd December, affording views down to a few feet there at the end of the pier until 31^st.

LAUGHING GULL

A first-winter was at Ballycotton Pier and surroundings (Co. Cork) from 18^th January, remaining all year, while further records involved an adult on Fair Isle on 19^th June and at Kilcoole (Co. Wicklow) on 22^nd June.

FRANKLIN’S GULL

A first-winter was on Canna (Highland Region) from 18^th January until 12^th April, with further singles at Crofty (Glamorgan) on 18^th April, Saltburn (Cleveland) on 21^st April and Llanelli WWT (South Wales) on 23^rd-28^th April. In late summer, an adult roosted with Black-headed Gulls on Breydon Water (Norfolk) on 1^st August, relocating to Cley NWT Reserve, where it pre-roosted on 6^th, 13^th & 15^th-16^th August. What was possibly the same adult was then seen roosting each evening at Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes HWT (Hants) from 19^th October until 25^th November.

GULL-BILLED TERN

The only record of the year concerned an adult at Ynys-las Point (Ceredigion) on 12^th May.

CASPIAN TERN

An adult visited Loch of Hillwell (Shetland) on 4^th-5^th June, with another over high tide at Exmouth Seafront (Devon) on 5^th August.

BRIDLED TERN

The first for Fair Isle was present from 16^th-19^th June before relocating back to Inner Farne (Northumberland) from 20^th June to 8^th July, where it had spent the previous summer. After departing the famous seabird breeding islets, the bird was then seen flying north past Port Seton (Lothian) on 9^th July and North Berwick (Lothian) on 10^th July before moving south past Whitburn (Co. Durham) and Seaton Carew (Cleveland) on 13^th July. An adult flew west past Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) on 21^st October.

FORSTER’S TERN

The usual returning wintering adult was in County Galway at Nimmo’s Pier and environs erratically during January to April with perhaps the same off the Mullet at Elly Strand (Co. Mayo) from 16^th January to 23^rd March. In midsummer, what was presumably the same bird was off Inishroo, in County Galway, on 9^th June, with it or another off Dundalk Docks (Co. Louth) from 14^th-28^th September. Two months later in November, an adult was at the Rogerstown Estuary (Co. Dublin) from 15^th October to 4^th November, with the regular bird off Kinvarra Pier on 23^rd November and back at Nimmo’s Pier from 28^th November onwards.

WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN

An influx occurred in April and May involving perhaps 13 individuals, including 3 long-staying birds at Balranald RSPB on North Uist, while in summer, single adults visited Cemlyn Bay (Anglesey) on 16^th-18^th June before moving east to Seaforth NR (Merseyside) later in the afternoon on 18^th. In late summer, moulting adults appeared at Abberton Reservoir (Essex) on 11^th-14^th July and Saltholme Pools RSPB (Cleveland) on 12^th & 26^th-28^th July before 5 or 6 juveniles appeared in September. A very late adult was discovered at Rye Harbour NR (East Sussex) in October, showing daily until 30^th.

WHISKERED TERN

A small influx occurred in late April with singles being noted at Rockland Broad (Norfolk) on 24^th, Otmoor RSPB (Oxfordshire) on 25^th and at Minsmere RSPB & Walberswick (Suffolk) on 26^th, whilst in Ireland, an adult at Aghills Lake, Skibbereen on 1^st-2^nd May relocated to Lough Aderra and Ballybutler Lake on 4^th-7^th May and Ballyhonock Lake (all Co. Cork) on 11th-13^th May. In June, one visited Loch Brusda, Berneray, North Uist on 3^rd-4^th.

GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO

2014 was an excellent year for this spectacular species with a first-summer at Giltar Point (Pembs) from 11^th-23^rd March, another at Branscombe (Devon) on 4^th April and a long-stayer on The Lizard (Cornwall) from 24^th April to 9^th May. In Ireland, one was at Barna (Co. Galway) on 9^th May.

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO

A mobile first-winter was present at Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 23^rd-24^th October.

BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO

The first in over 30 years was seen briefly on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 23^rd October.

EURASIAN EAGLE OWL

Despite constant persecution, the small breeding population in the UK remained constant at about 13-15 pairs.

SNOWY OWL

One appeared at Exnaboe (Shetland) on 14^th February with the usual male from St Kilda on North Uist at Grenitote on 10^th-11^th May and on Benbecula until 23^rd May. As summer progressed and the snow melted on the Cairngorm Plateau, the regular male reappeared on Ben Macdui in early June, being regularly reported by hillwalkers and birdwatchers alike until at least 29^th September, while much further north in Caithness, an immature performed well at a windfarm site from 15^th October until 6^th November.

EURASIAN SCOPS OWL

In the Northern Isles, this Iberian vagrant made landfall on North Ronaldsay’s Holland House garden on 15^th-16^th June then on Yell (Shetland) on 24^th June (presumably the same bird involved in both sightings).

PALLID SWIFT

One flew through Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 31^st May, with another reported at Portland Bill briefly on 7^th June. There then followed a very poor autumn for this species with just two records – at Kilnsea on 16^th October and Flamborough Head on 20^th October.

ALPINE SWIFT

Most probably the worst spring on record with not a single bird seen in the general peak period of mid March to mid April. Much later in May, what was most likely the same individual appeared on Unst on 24^th May, Marwick Head (Orkney) on 26^th-27^th May and Birsay (Orkney) on 26^th-29^th May.

CHIMNEY SWIFT

One remained close to the Butt of Lewis at Europie, Lewis (Outer Hebrides) from 23^rd-25^th October.

EUROPEAN BEE-EATER

Following a sprinkling of sightings in April and May, a widespread influx continued into June, with numerous records from Argyll, Cambs, Cheshire & Wirral, Cleveland, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hants, Kent, County Kerry, Norfolk, Pembs, Scilly, Sussex & Yorkshire. As a result of one roaming party of 5, successful breeding took place on the Isle of Wight in July, with at least 9 juveniles fledging from two nests on the Wydcombe Estate in August. A total of 12 birds lingered at Brading Marsh until 16^th September.

EUROPEAN ROLLER

One was seen briefly at Sandwich Bay (Kent) on 12^th May with one briefly in Ireland at Drinagh (Co. Cork) on 16^th November.

CALANDRA LARK

One made landfall on Fair Isle on 22^nd May.

GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK

In spring, noted at Burniston (North Yorks) on 20^th April, Fair Isle on 27^th April (3 birds, two to 2^nd May & 1 to 11^th), North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 5^th-6^th May and on St Mary’s (Scilly) on 6^th-11^th May . Just over a dozen appeared in autumn, with most appearing on Shetland and Scilly.

HORNED LARK

One showing characteristics of the North American form was present on South Uist (Outer Hebrides) on *****

EURASIAN CRAG MARTIN

The highlight of the spring for many was the first twitchable bird this millennium at Flamborough Head (East Yorks) on 11^th-13^th April

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW

A fairly widespread influx in spring involved at least 45 individuals from County Durham to County Cork. Just one was recorded in autumn – on wires at Dungeness Bird Observatory (Kent) on 6^th November.

AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT

One remained at the edge of the saltmarsh at Burton Marsh (Cheshire) until 15^th February, while another (in full breeding plumage) was photographed at Cockersand Abbey (Lancs) on 4^th May

TAWNY PIPIT

Singles were noted at Flamborough Head (East Yorks) on 11^th-19^th April, Scarborough (North Yorks) on 24^th April, Northam Burrows (Devon) on 18^th May, Howden’s Pullover (Lincs) on 8^th June, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe (Kent) on 30^th-31^st August, Portland Bill (Dorset) on 17^th September and on St Agnes (Scilly) on 8^th October. A late but showy individual was at Newhaven Tide Mills (East Sussex) from 7^th-11^th October.

RICHARD’S PIPIT

Although no more than 35 appeared between late September and early November, an unprecedented 12 or more stayed to overwinter, including at least 3 near Hinckley Point in Somerset and 2 in Wykeham (North Yorks).

BLYTH’S PIPIT

A first-winter was identified on St Mary’s Airfield (St Mary’s) on 5^th-6^th October, with further singles at St David’s Head (Pembs) on 18^th November and at Calder Park, near Pugney’s CP (West Yorks) from 8^th December into 2015.

OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT

A wintering bird was discovered in gardens in Leiston (Suffolk) on 15^th February and was seen very erratically over the next 5 weeks. Equally unusual was a spring migrant on Unst (Shetland) on 2^nd May. Autumn came early for this species with singles being noted at Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs) on 17^th-20^th September, North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 18^th-20^th September, Wells Woods (Norfolk) on 19^th-22^nd September, Kilnsea (East Yorks) on 20^th-21^st September, Fair Isle on 21^st-22^nd September, Deerness (Orkney) on 1^st October, Sullom Plantation (Shetland) on 3^rd October, 27 in Shetland, Fair Isle & Orkney during 6^th-15^th October, Wells Woods again in late October, Deerness again on 10^th November, Toab (Shetland) on 17^th November and on Fair Isle from 19^th November to 2^nd December.

RED-THROATED PIPIT

One visited Bryher (Scilly) on 25^th April, with further adults in spring on the Farne Islands (Northumberland) on 20^th May and on Unst (Shetland) on 1^st June. Calling flyovers in autumn included singles at St David’s (Pembs) on 18^th September, Gibraltar Point NNR on 20^th September, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 30^th September and over Spurn Point on 4^th October, Foula on 13^th October, Norby (Shetland) on 16^th October, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 26^th-29^th October & 5^th November, St Agnes (Scilly) on 29^th-31^st October, Sennen (Cornwall) on 9^th November, while a first-winter performed well on Fair Isle from 20^th-24^th September and 13^th-20^th October.

PECHORA PIPIT

This year, the only records were that of singles on Unst on 22^nd-25^th September, North Ronaldsay on 30^th September & 8^th October and at Kergord Plantation (Shetland) on 11^th October.

BLACK-HEADED WAGTAIL

A male was discovered on Fetlar (Shetland) on 25^th May.

CITRINE WAGTAIL

In spring, singles were noted at Wallasea Island (Essex) on 29^th April, Virkie (Shetland) on 1^st May, Portland Bill (Dorset) on 11^th May, Unst (Shetland) on 23^rd May and on Bardsey Island (Gwynedd) on 25^th-26^th May. Most unusual was a male at Balnakeil Craft Centre (Sutherland) on 18^th-19^th June. A further 10 appeared in late August/September, mostly in Scotland and Wales, with a very late first-winter in Bridlington (East Yorks) on 5^th-9^th November.

ALPINE ACCENTOR

A bird was photographed at Holme (Norfolk) on 26^th April but its visit was extremely brief.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING

Very small numbers were recorded in Britain in the first winter period with even less in the second.

THRUSH NIGHTINGALE

The only ‘Sprosser’ of 2014 was that heard only at Portland Bill (Dorset) on 13^th June.

SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT

A stunning male delighted allcomers at Levenwick (Shetland) from 3^rd-8^th October.

RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL

In the first case of its kind, a first-year male successfully overwintered in a South Gloucestershire valley at Shire from 3^rd February to mid March. Come the autumn, another typical showing, with singles at Sumburgh Head (Shetland) on 19^th September, Dale of Walls (Shetland) on 12^th October, Fair Isle on 13^th-16^th October, Warham Greens (Norfolk) on 13^th October, Stiffkey Meals (Norfolk) on 14^th October, Geosetter (Shetland) on 3^rd-17^th November and Voe (Shetland) on 8^th-9^th November. An eighth individual was discovered in Ireland – in Tarmon, The Mullet (Co. Mayo).

EASTERN BLACK REDSTART

First-winter males were discovered in Scalby (North Yorks) from 29^th November to 3^rd December and on Scilly at Shark’s Pit, Porthmellon, St Mary’s, from 30^th November into January 2015.

ISABELLINE WHEATEAR

A confiding first-winter remained at Seaton Snook from 23^rd-27^th November constituting the first record for Cleveland and County Durham.

DESERT WHEATEAR

A very good showing with eight recorded, with singles on Skomer (Pembs) on 28^th October, Reculver Beach (Kent) on 6^th-9^th November, Lowestoft North Links (Suffolk) on 6^th-9^th November, Gorleston-on-Sea (Norfolk) on 7^th-14^th November, Montrose (Angus) on 16^th-19^th November, Porthgwarra (Cornwall) from 26^th November to 9^th December, Winterton Dunes (Norfolk) on 5^th-7^th December and on The Lizard (Cornwall) on 7^th December.

PIED WHEATEAR

Just one record: a first-winter male at Haroldswick, Unst, from 1^st-9^th November.

SIBERIAN STONECHAT

A first-winter was on Holy Island (Northumberland) from 19^th-22^nd September, followed by singles at Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 27^th October, Titchfield Haven (Hants) from 16^th-24^th October, Seaview (Isle of Wight) on 6^th-10^th November, Torness (Lothian) on 16^th-20^th October, Spital Point (Northumberland) on 8^th-11^th November, Whalsay, Fetlar & Hoswick in late October and at Cleadon (Co. Durham) from 12^th-22^nd November.

STEJNEGER’S STONECHAT

A presumed first-winter stejnegeri was on Fair Isle from at least 1^st-6^th October.

CASPIAN STONECHAT

A beautiful male made a prolonged stay on Fair Isle from 27^th April to 31^st May.

SWAINSON’S THRUSH

One was at Norwick, Unst (Shetland) on 28^th September, with another in Ireland at Loop Head (Co. Cork) on 4^th-5^th October.

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH

An influx of five with singles on Barra (Outer Hebrides) on 23^rd October, North Ronaldsay on 23^rd October, Fair Isle on 24^th-25^th October, Fetlar on 29^th October and at Rerwick (Shetland) on 8^th-10^th November.

HERMIT THRUSH

One visited Fair Isle from 13^th-16^th May with another on North Uist near Balranald at Ard an Runair on 22^nd-23^rd October.

WHITE’S THRUSH

Shetland once again attracted this stunning Asiatic vagrant, with singles at Durrigarth from 29^th September to 1^st October and on Fair Isle on 4^th October.

SIBERIAN THRUSH

A first-winter female was trapped at Scousburgh (Shetland) on 15^th October and found to be the same bird ringed in Norway earlier in the autumn on 24^th September.

EYEBROWED THRUSH

Following hard on the heels of its last record, North Ronaldsay played host to this stunning Asiatic thrush on 30^th September.

BARRED WARBLER

An exceptional year with perhaps 120 recorded including several inland records (Blows Downs, Dunstable, as an example) and the latest-ever on record – a first-winter in Portland Bird Observatory Garden (Dorset) until 26^th December.

SARDINIAN WARBLER

In Ireland, one was present on Dursey Island (Co. Cork) from 20^th April to 14^th May.

SPECTACLED WARBLER

A very showy (and very popular) singing male remained on territory in sueda at Burnham Overy Dunes (Norfolk) from 2^nd-18^th June.

WESTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER

The first to appear was a male at Pagham Harbour (West Sussex) on 21^st April, quickly followed by further singles at Exnaboe (Shetland) on 24^th-27^th April, Fair Isle from 27^th April to 2^nd May, 3^rd-11^th May & on 8^th May, St Abb’s Head (Borders) on 28^th-29^th April, Portland Bill (Dorset) on 1^st & 3^rd May, Out Skerries (Shetland) on 2^nd May, Holme (Norfolk) on 5^th-6^th May, Unst (Shetland) on 7^th May, Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 28^th May, Fair Isle on 13^th June and North Ronaldsay on 17^th-18^th June. In autumn, further singles appeared on Lundy Island (Devon) on 18^th August, Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 10^th-17^th October, Foula on 13^th-15^th October and on St Mary’s (Scilly) from 1^st-4^th November.

EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER

Single males were at Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 20^th May and Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 28^th May, whilst in autumn, first-years were identified at Landguard NR (Suffolk) on 29^th August to 4^th September, on Unst (Shetland) from 22^nd September to 3^rd October (two individuals) and at Carne/Churchtown (Co. Wexford) on 11^th November.

AQUATIC WARBLER

An appalling year and further proof of the stark predicament this Polish/Estonian breeding species is in. Just two reports: Lytchett Bay in Poole Harbour (Dorset) on 25^th July and at Nanjizal on 9^th September.

LANCEOLATED WARBLER

Just two this autumn, the poorest showing in many a year: Fair Isle on 22^nd September and Quendale Burn on 7^th-8^th October.

PALLAS’S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER

One was trapped & ringed at Titchfield Haven NNR (Hants) on 6^th September.

SAVI’S WARBLER

Reeling males were heard at Radipole lake RSPB (Dorset) on 17^th April & 22^nd May, Newport Wetlands NR, Uskmouth (Gwent) from 24^th May to 8^th June, Loch of Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire) from 29^th May to 17^th June, Wicken Fen (Cambs) on 4^th June and at Walberswick NNR (Suffolk) on 5th-15^th June.

BLYTH’S REED WARBLER

Unprecedented numbers, perhaps indicating a westward expansion in range; in spring, singing males at Quendale Burn (Shetland) on 19^th May, Foula (Shetland) on 24^th May, Burniston Long Nab (North Yorks) on 25^th May, Skomer Island (Pembs) on 26^th May, Fair Isle on 27^th May, Sollas Plantation, North Uist, on 27^th May, Whalsay (Shetland) on 28^th-29^th May, Out Skerries (Shetland) on 28^th May, Dungeness Trapping Area (Kent) on 28^th May, Wanstead Park (London) on 29^th May, Girdleness (Aberdeenshire) from 31^st May to 1^st June, Cemlyn Bay (Anglesey) on 31^st May, Whitburn (Co. Durham) on 1^st June, Cley Village (Norfolk) on 3^rd June, Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 6^th June, Bardsey Island (Gwynedd) on 7^th June, Scatness (Shetland) on 13^th-14^th June, Virkie Willows (Shetland) on 13^th-14^th & 22^nd June and on Fair Isle on 13^th and from 25^th-28^th June, the latter the same as the second Virkie bird.

In the autumn, a further showing with singles identified on Fair Isle on 14^th & 16^th August, Unst on 21^st August, Foula on 25^th August, near the Ythan Estuary (Aberdeenshire) on 30^th August, trapped & ringed on Orfordness (Suffolk) on 30^th August, Bryher (Scilly) on 2^nd September and on Fetlar (Shetland) on 22^nd September.

PADDYFIELD WARBLER

Just four autumn records: Nanjizal Valley (Cornwall) on 31^st August, Whalsay on 1^st September, North Ronaldsay from 4^th-10^th September and on Fair Isle on 5^th September.

GREAT REED WARBLER

A reasonable spring with deafening singing males at Lackford Lakes (Suffolk) on 5^th May, Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs) on 13^th-14^th May, Walberswick (Suffolk) on 16^th May, Green Park, Reading (Berks) on 22^nd May, Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs) on 23^rd May, Chew Valley Lake (Avon) on 24^th-25^th May, Saltfleetby (North Lincs) on 25^th May, Swining (Shetland) on 3^rd-7^th June, Cresswell Pond (Northumberland) on 4^th June and Sandwick (Shetland) on 8^th June. In September, one reached Bressay (Shetland) on 20^th.

MELODIOUS WARBLER

A further decline in numbers with Portland Bill Bird Observatory recording its first of 3 on 2^nd August, while elsewhere, singles were on St Mary’s (Scilly) on 2^nd-4^th August and 12 more between 16^th August and 26^th September. Late records involved singles on Out Skerries (Shetland) on 6^th October and on Skomer (Pembs) on 10^th October.

BOOTED WARBLER

Singles noted on Whalsay (Shetland) on 10^th-15^th August, Burray (Orkney) on 30^th August, St Agnes (Scilly) on 11^th September, Peninnis Head, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 20^th September and at Torness Power Station (Lothian) from 11^th-23^rd October.

WESTERN BONELLI’S WARBLER

One was trapped and ringed at Portland Bill Bird Observatory (Dorset) on 16^th August, with others following at Content, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 29^th-30^th August, Bardsey Island (Gwynedd) on 31^st August, Kelling School (Norfolk) on 7^th-9^th September and at Nanjizal (Cornwall) on 15^th September. Bonelli’s Warblers that failed to call and perhaps are best treated unidentified included singles in Aberdeen on 4^th September, on Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork) on 10^th September and in Kenidjack Valley (Cornwall) on 19^th-20^th September.

EASTERN BONELLI’S WARBLER

A calling bird showed well at Newbiggin-on-Sea (Northumberland) on 3^rd May, with another at Scalloway (Shetland) from 10^th-13^th October.

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF

A singing bird was at Grimston (East Yorks) on 13^th April, with another on Rousay (Orkney) from at least 22^nd June to 27^th July.

DUSKY WARBLER

An elusive individual was at Great Barr (West Midlands) from 25^th February to 17^th March, with a slightly easier bird near Oulton Broad at Carlton Marshes (Suffolk) from 19^th March to 17^th April. Towards the end of the year, singles were noted at Reculver (Kent) on 15^th October, East Hills, Wells (Norfolk) on 15^th October, on the Farne Islands (Northumberland) on 30^th October to 1^st November, Voe (Shetland) on 9^th November, Holkham Pines (Norfolk) on 9^th November, Portland Bill (Dorset) on 12^th-16^th & 19^th-20^th November, Hollesley Marshes (Suffolk) on 15^th-18^th November, Landguard NR (Suffolk) on 16^th-20^th November, Boyton Marshes (Suffolk) on 20^th November , Kelynack (Cornwall) from 16^th November to 9^th December, StMary’s (Scilly) on 19^th November and on Tresco (Scilly) on 23^rd-24^th November.

RADDE’S WARBLER

The first of the autumn was one that was exhausted on Sumburgh Head (Shetland) on 6^th October, followed by a further 15 of which 11 were discovered between 11^th-17^th October.

ARCTIC WARBLER

A fair showing with singles in autumn on Fair Isle on 22^nd August & 22^nd September, on Foula on 29^th August & 3^rd-5^th September, on Whalsay on 1^st-3^rd September, at Hoswick (Shetland) on 20^th September, at Sandness (Shetland) on 21^st-22^nd September, at Mizen Head (Co. Cork) on 21^st-22^nd September and in Church Cove, The Lizard (Cornwall) on 30^th September. The last to be found was at Donna Nook (Lincs) on 11^th-14^th October.

EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER

The third for Britain was near Brotton (Cleveland) from 30^th October to 1^st November.

GREENISH WARBLER

An excellent spring with no less than 11 found between 27^th May and 7^th June, including singles in Dorset, Durham, Fair Isle, Lincs, Lothian, Norfolk, Northumberland, the Outer Hebrides, Pembrokeshire, Somerset & Suffolk. The singing male in Lothian (at Tyninghame Bay) remained on site for several weeks, being last heard on 22^nd June. Early autumn saw one arrive on Fair Isle on 6^th August to be followed by a further 26 between 26^th August and 19^th September, scattered widely across the country but including 9 in Norfolk, 5 in Shetland, 2 apiece in the Outer Hebrides, County Durham, Suffolk and Yorkshire and singles in Gwynedd, Cork, Northumberland and Scilly.

PALLAS’S LEAF WARBLER

One overwintered in pines in east Kent at Folkestone, being seen from 24^th January to 22^nd February. Small numbers followed in October, with perhaps 15 in total, mostly in Norfolk. This was in stark contrast to a major arrival of Yellow-browed Warblers.

HUME’S LEAF WARBLER

Singles overwintered at Dungeness Trapping Area and Ramsgate Churchyard (both Kent) until 21^st April & 29^th March respectively, with another on a trading estate at Coleshill (Warks) from 25^th January to 10^th March. In autumn, just four, with singles at Voe (Shetland) on 19^th-23^rd October, Bawdsey (Suffolk) on 15^th-17^th November, Loch of Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire) on 16^th November and at Whitley Bay (Northumberland) on 22^nd-24^th November.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER

A widespread influx took place in September involving at least 89 individuals, including 15 or more in Norfolk and 13 on Shetland.

COLLARED FLYCATCHER

A cracking male showed well at St Abb’s Head (Borders) from 28^th-30^th April, with further singles on Tiree (Argyll) on 27^th May and Fair Isle on 28^th-29^th May.

PENDULINE TIT

One was seen briefly at Stodmarsh (Kent) on 2^nd January to be followed by 2 there from 15^th February to 3^rd March. Another was then seen at Shapwick Heath NNR (Somerset) on 16^th February. At the end of the year, autumn passage was noticeable, with singles at Strumpshaw Fen (Norfolk) on 11^th-12^th October & 18^th-19^th November, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 14^th October, Titchwell (Norfolk) on 18^th-19^th November, Snape (Suffolk) on 25^th October, 2 at Minsmere (Suffolk) on 25^th November, Ouse Fen (Cambs) on 4^th December, Cotswold WP (Gloucs) on 6^th December and 100 Acre Pit, Bedford (Beds) on 28^th-29^th December. A party of 3 remained at Darts Farm & Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham (Devon) from 5^th December into 2015.

DAURIAN ISABELLINE SHRIKE

An adult female lingered on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) from 15^th-20^th September, with first-winters at warham Greens (Norfolk) on 14^th-17^th October, Kilnsea (East Yorks) on 15^th-17^th October, Worth Marsh, Sandwich (Kent) on 16^th October and at Pendeen (Cornwall) from 9^th-12^th November.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE

Following a spring/summer that saw less than 6 birds arrive, the autumn proved no better with just two more – a first-summer female at Prestwick Carr (Northumberland) on 1^st September and a juvenile at Dawlish Warren NNR (Devon) on 8^th September.

MASKED SHRIKE

A juvenile remained at Kilnsea (East Yorks) from 20^th September to 2^nd October.

SAXAUL GREY SHRIKE

A particularly confiding and entertaining first-winter delighted thousands of visitors to Burnham Norton during 5^th-16^th October; it represented the first record for Norfolk.

LESSER GREY SHRIKE

In the far northeast of Shetland, a first-year summered at Baltasound, Unst, from 16^th June to 6^th July, while in autumn, an adult female was at Hollesley Marshes (Suffolk) on 6^th-7^th September and another was on Biggleswade Common (Beds) on 10^th October.

ROSE-COLOURED STARLING

The overwintering first-year was on St Mary’s (Scilly) until 4^th February while 13 birds appeared in late May/early June, predominantly in the southwest. In the autumn, 26 arrived during September and October, predominantly juveniles, widely scattered from Shetland to Scilly.

SCANDINAVIAN ARCTIC REDPOLL

One was present at a Macclesfield garden feeder (Cheshire & Wirral) from 8^th-30^th March, with another photographed at Water’s Edge CP (Lincs) on 6^th-7^th April.

HORNEMANN’S ARCTIC REDPOLL

A first-winter was at Veensgarth (Shetland) from 26^th September to 5^th October.

TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL

Following the unprecedented invasion in 2013, large numbers continued to remain into 2014, with at least 35 birds in the Forest of Dean (Gloucs), up to 4 at Lynford Arboretum (Norfolk), a male in Hemsted Forest (Kent), 3 in the Wyre Forest (Salop) and up to 10 at Broomhead Reservoir in South Yorkshire. Many continued into April, with several males in the Forest of Dean in full song, speculating that breeding could have taken place. In June, up to 7 were discovered in the woodlands of Tyninghame Bay (Lothian), showing daily up until 11^th.

CONTINENTAL PARROT CROSSBILL

As with the previous species, a bonanza of sightings late in 2013 saw large numbers overwintyer, with 13 or more at Holt Lowes (Norfolk), 14 at Budby Common (Notts), up to 13 at Mayday Farm (Suffolk Breckland), 10 in Tunstall Forest (Suffolk) and 9 in Ashdown Forest (West Sussex)

OVENBIRD

One made landfall on Mizen Head (Co. Cork) on 27^th September.

RED-EYED VIREO

Following a deep Atlantic depression, singles were discovered at Sumburgh Head (Shetland) on 25^th September, Loop Head (Co. Clare) on 27^th September, Firkeel (Co. Cork) on 28^th-29^th September, Achill Island (Co. Mayo) on 3^rd October, Low Newton-by-the-Sea (Northumberland) on 7^th October and at Walney Island Bird Observatory Garden (Cumbria) on 4^th November.

BLACKPOLL WARBLER

One was seen for just under an hour at Easington (East Yorks) on 2^nd November.

MYRTLE WARBLER

Most unexpected was a wintering bird discovered on the High Shincliffe housing estate (County Durham) on 27^th January, with enterprising local birders keeping it there with a constant supply of coconut until 16^th February when it perhaps succumbed to either a Sparrowhawk or the cold. Equally out of the blue came a female on North Ronaldsay on 6^th May, relocating to Unst (Shetland) on 7^th-8^th May. The third for the year (and Shetland) was a first-winter at Virkie Willows & Grutness from 29^th September to 1^st October.

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW

A male visited Landguard NR (Suffolk) on 19^th June (where it was trapped & ringed), incredibly the same day as one inhabited a garden feeder by the Otter Ferry in Argyll.

SCARLET TANAGER

An elusive first-year was trapped & ringed on Barra (Outer Hebrides) on 6^th-7^th October.

LITTLE BUNTING

An overwintering bird was present at Lea Marsh (Lincs) from 28^th February to 9^th March, followed by spring migrants at Holme (Norfolk) on 27^th April, Hilbre Island (Wirral) on 28^th April, Fair Isle on 29^th April & 9^th May, North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 3^rd May, Loch of Hillwell (Shetland) on 12^th May and on Fair Isle on 16^th May. Unprecedented numbers (for Shetland) appeared in September, perhaps involving 25 individuals.

RUSTIC BUNTING

A male was on Fetlar (Shetland) on 9^th May, followed by further singles at North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 21^st, Skaw, Unst, on 21^st, Iona (Argyll) on 27^th, Out Skerries (Shetland) on 30^th, Happisburgh (Norfolk) on 30^th, on Tiree on 2^nd June and on St Mary’s (Scilly) on 14^th June. A male oversummered on Shetland, surviving post-moult on Unst from 5^th August until at least 2^nd October, while further singles appeared in autumn, including first-winters on Brownsman, Farnes (Northumberland) on 15^th-19^th September, Filey Carr Naze (North Yorks) on 17^th-18^th September and the last on St Agnes (Scilly) on 9^th October.

ORTOLAN BUNTING

Another poor showing with just 5 records in spring and 11 in autumn.

CRETZSCHMAR’S BUNTING

A corking male was present on Fair Isle from 27^th April to 2^nd May, incidentally found within an hour and a stone’s throw of a Caspian Stonechat.

BLACK-HEADED BUNTING

Following a male on Skomer Island (Pembs) on 21^st-24^th May, a male was seen in Cromer (Norfolk) on 26^th May and a female at West Runton (Norfolk) from 28^th May to 1^st June. Autumn saw a further two, with first-winters at Sumburgh Head (Shetland) on 4^th September and on Out Skerries (Shetland) on 29^th September.