British Birding Association UK400 Club

This is the UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert for Saturday 21st June 2008, issued at 2200 hours and published in association with Rare Bird Alert Pagers (see www.rarebirdalert.com for details) and utilising information gleaned from Regional Birdlines, www.Birdguides.com, local email groups and individual observers.

 

A first-summer male LESSER GREY SHRIKE remains for a second day SE of Eastfield Farm, 2 miles east of Hickling village (Norfolk) at TG 438 234 (Andy Kane). It is showing well on fence posts and in small Oak trees and is best accessed from the farm at the far end of Eastfield Road. The farmer has very kindly granted parking at the farm and after walking past the farm, continue east for 150 yards and then south for 250 yards to the isolated building. Special access is £1.00 per person.

 

Nearby, the long-staying male RED-BACKED SHRIKE continues in Clink Road, Sea Palling, showing well in bramble scrub and Willows west of the road, just beyond the last few cottages. On the north coast, 4 Eurasian Spoonbills (3 adults and an immature) remain on Cley NWT North Scrape.

 

Seabirds today included a CORY'S SHEARWATER off Kinnaird Head (Aberdeenshire) for 5 minutes this afternoon, 7 Balearic and 350 Manx Shearwaters off Portland Bill (Dorset) and 2 Sooty Shearwaters off Flamborough Head (East Yorks).

 

In Dumfries-shire, the rehabilitated COMMON CRANE continues to recover at Caerlaverock WWT after colliding with power lines last week, whilst in Forth, the male COMMON ROSEFINCH remains 5 miles NW of Crianlarich off the A82 at Tyndrum, where it is regularly visiting a bird feeder at the ''Real Food Cafe''.

 

The long-staying GLOSSY IBIS remains at Marshside Marsh RSPB (Merseyside), with a North American Green-winged Teal nearby at Inner Marsh Farm RSPB (Cheshire).

 

In Avon, an adult white-headed gull showing some characteristics of smithsonianus remains at Chew Valley Lake at Herriott's Bridge, with the first-summer drake SURF SCOTER still off Dawlish Warren NNR (South Devon).

 

An adult ROSE-COLOURED STARLING was at Rhosneigr Golf Course (Anglesey) last night whilst shortly after dawn this morning, the singing male MELODIOUS WARBLER was controversially trapped and ringed a mile south of Oswaldtwistle near Jackhouse Reservoir (Lancs) and has not been seen or heard since.

 

In IRELAND, a drake LESSER SCAUP is at Kinnego Bay, Oxford Island NNR (Co. Armagh).

During just 8 days absence from the UK in Iberia, an overwhelming and mouth-watering array of vagrants and scarce migrants appeared in Britain whilst I was away, surging the 2008 total for Britain and Ireland to an extremely impressive 366 species (the highest total at such an early stage ever). The latest additions since my previous update are as follows -:

 

STILT SANDPIPER - outstanding record from Rutland Water, Leics

GREAT SNIPE - unusual spring occurrence on Holy Island, Northumberland (plus other east coast sightings)

MARSH SANDPIPER - Rutland Water - first county record

TEREK SANDPIPER - one-dayer in East Sussex

WILSON'S PHALAROPE - NW England, today at Seaforth NR, Lancs

EUROPEAN ROLLER - brief stayer in Lincolnshire

RIVER WARBLER - singing male at Beachy Head, successfully twitched by 108+ observers

BLYTH'S REED WARBLER - on Unst, the 4th to be identified by Stefan McElwee !!

MARSH WARBLER - large influx

GREENISH WARBLER - Shetland

LESSER GREY SHRIKE - High Newton, Northumberland, today

TRUMPETER FINCH - North Rona and Blakeney Point

COMMON ROSEFINCH - many spring migrants

RUSTIC BUNTING - 2+ on Northern Isles

BLACK-HEADED BUNTING - male in Yorkshire

This is the UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert for Friday 9th May 2008, issued at midnight and produced in association with Rare Bird Alert Pagers (see www.rarebirdalert.com for subscription details) and utilising information gleaned from the Regional Birdline network, Birdguides, websites, local email groups and individual observers.

 

Virtually a week of SE winds and hot sunshine has culminated in a daily rush of incoming Mediterranean vagrants, with today being no different. Pick of the bunch was a flock of 16 EUROPEAN BEE-EATERS that flew in from the south and stayed around the cliffs below the Countryside Centre at Beachy Head (East Sussex) for a while before drifting off east at 1330.

 

Several RED-FOOTED FALCONS appeared, including an adult male and first-summer female in North Kent (over Northward Hill RSPB and at Oare Marshes - both brief), a female in West Yorkshire (at Pugney's CP at 2040) and a male at Jacksdale Meadows (Notts) (drifted off NE at 1720), with BLACK KITES reported from a number of South Coast locations and one remaining on Fair Isle (Shetland). A WHISKERED TERN (one of several this past week) moved from Conwy NR (Conwy) in the morning to Inner Marsh Farm RSPB (Cheshire) in the evening, with WOODCHAT SHRIKES on St Martin's and Bryher (Scilly), at Wembury Point still (South Devon), at Trevose Head (North Cornwall) for a 3rd day,  and by the Canal Scrape at Spurn Point (East Yorks). A female SUBALPINE WARBLER made landfall on Fair Isle, with new HOOPOE arrivals south of Bowness-in-Windermere (Cumbria) at Meadowcroft Cottages garden at SD 399 952 and north of Aberarth (Ceredigion), a WRYNECK at Lavernock (Glamorgan) and a GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK for its 2nd day NW of Porthcawl midway between Sker Point and Kenfig Rivermouth at SS 785 812.

 

Of the rare herons, a PURPLE HERON was seen over Martlesham Creek and Kirton (Suffolk), a GREAT WHITE EGRET again on the River Wensum floods at Buntree Mill (Norfolk) and 23 CATTLE EGRETS east over Polgigga (Cornwall), whilst at least 9 Eurasian Honey Buzzards arrived and BLACK-WINGED STILTS included a continuing male at Newport Wetlands NR (Gwent) and a breeding pair at Neumann's Flash (Cheshire). GOLDEN ORIOLES continue to arrive in small numbers, with 5 calling males now in attendance and showing well at Lakenheath RSPB (Suffolk). The ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD present around Dungeness RSPB and Trapping Area yesterday moved north over Bockhill Farm, St Margaret's (East Kent) today.

 

An adult drake BAIKAL TEAL of unknown origin remained for a third day very distantly on Blakeney Freshmarsh (North Norfolk) (view from Friary Hills), with a CATTLE EGRET still on Lound GP Chainbridge Lane Scrape (Notts), 11 DOTTEREL on Danby Beacon (North Yorks) and a LESSER YELLOWLEGS on Dingle Marshes RSPB (Suffolk). A scattering of up to 12 TEMMINCK'S STINTS include 3 in Norfolk and Sussex, with the POMARINE SKUA passage continuing unabated, with a further 40 or more birds passing Seaford Splash Point (East Sussex) this morning (up to 70 per day have been passing this promontory all week). A red-spotted BLUETHROAT was on Noss (Shetland) today.

 

A COLLARED PRATINCOLE present at Swale NNR (North Kent) all day until dusk on 8th was not relocated today, nor was a singing male ICTERINE WARBLER at Sennen Cycle Track (West Cornwall). A BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER visited Newport Wetlands (Gwent) on the evening of 7th whilst Portland Bill (Dorset) hosted up to 5 RED-RUMPED SWALLOWS, a EUROPEAN BEE-EATER and GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK during the week. An UPLAND SANDPIPER at Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire) on 5th-6th was an exceptional spring record.

 

In IRELAND, the first-year NORTH AMERICAN HERRING GULL remains in Galway Docks (Co. Galway) and vagrants include a GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK at Ballycotton (Co. Cork), several brief-staying RED-RUMPED SWALLOWS, a trickle of GOLDEN ORIOLES and a long-staying DOTTEREL at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford).

 

The UK400 Club provides an authoritative review of all rare vagrant and scarce migrant birds on its UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert Yahoo email group, available free to all members of www.uk400clubonline.co.uk

 

With a strong, warm SSW wind blowing, a wave of spring migrants is arriving across the country including some early dates, including a Common Redstart in Surrey, a Tree Pipit in Norfolk and an adult male Pied Flycatcher in Dorset. These three new species take the 2008 total to 281 species.

 

Elsewhere, a CORY'S SHEARWATER flew North past Saltcoats Harbour (Ayrshire) at 1855, and a YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER was discovered at Swallow Pond NR, Wallsend (Northumberland), showing well in Willows by the screen hide. A COMMON CRANE on Fair Isle (Shetland) (31st March) may be the bird seen today flying SW over Burravoe on Yell at 1345.

 

Two North American Green-winged Teals remain at the north shallow end of Eyebrook Reservoir (Leics), with another at 100 Acre Pools Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs), whilst LESSER SCAUPS include drakes at Auchenreoch Loch (Dumfries & Galloway), Barrow Gurney Reservoirs No.3 Tank (Avon) and on North Uist (Outer Hebrides) (at Loch an Fhaing). An adult drake KING EIDER is still south of Girvan (Ayrshire) and just south of the A77/A714 roundabout. A single adult white morph ROSS'S SNOW GOOSE remains in Lancashire, consorting with Pink-footed Geese on Aldcliffe Marsh, whilst in Norfolk, the long-staying white morph SNOW GOOSE remains at Heigham Holmes.

 

The singing male PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER continues in Weymouth (Dorset), favouring Two Mile Coppice. From the Dorchester Road north of Morrison's Supermarket Car Park roundabout, take Greenaway Road and follow the footpath under the railway bridge and enter the woodland on the left. Go through the gated entrance and continue 150 yards to view the Ivy and scrub. In Cornwall, the overwintering HUME'S LEAF WARBLER remains at Tehidy Country Park at Camborne (access from South Drive at cSW 649 432).

 

A single SHORELARK remains at Landguard NR (Suffolk) for a second day, with three wintering birds still on Cley North Beach (Norfolk), with two cracking summer-plumaged male LAPLAND BUNTINGS in the Eye Field at Cley.

 

On Anglesey, the 3rd-winter RING-BILLED GULL remains at Bedmannarch Bay (in Penrhos Beach car park), but there was no sign today of yesterday's winter-plumaged adult ROSS'S GULL at Marton Mere LNR, Blackpool (Lancs) (present from just 1230-1710 hours).

 

CATTLE EGRETS are thinning out in number, with just 13 left at Treganhoe Farm, near Drift (Cornwall) and another on 100 Acre Flash at Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs).

 

In IRELAND, Galway Harbour (Co. Galway) continues to attract the overwintering first-winter NORTH AMERICAN HERRING GULL, a Kumlien's Gull, Glaucous Gull and several Iceland Gulls, whilst nearby the two female SURF SCOTERS remain off Silver Strand Beach by the causeway.

This is the UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert for Monday 17th March 2008, issued at 2300 hours and produced in association with Rare Bird Alert Pagers (www.rarebirdalert.com), the Regional Birdlines and Birdguides (www.birdguides.com), as well as utilising information gleaned from individual observers, websites and email groups.

 

The rarest bird of the moment is a female NORTH AMERICAN BLACK DUCK discovered at Marloes Mere (Pembrokeshire), 7.5 miles west of Milford Haven and 2.5 miles NW of Dale. The bird is consorting with a drake Mallard on the mere and is best viewed from the green hide beyond the Youth Hostel (David Astins et al).

 

Also in Pembrokeshire, the first-year ROSE-COLOURED STARLING remains in Haverfordwest just west of the A487 in back gardens of Portfield (B4327) and best viewed from the drive to the playing field by the phonebox. Please respect residents' privacy.

 

A 2nd-winter FRANKLIN'S GULL was present at Portishead seafront (Avon) on 15th and roosted in the Dock area on 16th.

 

An ALPINE SWIFT was seen at East Pentire, Newquay (North Cornwall) on 15th, whilst the first WILLOW WARBLER of the year was at Selsey Bill (West Sussex) this morning.

 

A comprehensive summary of additional rarities during period 8-17 MARCH 2008, many of which are long-stayers.

 

BLACK-THROATED DIVER

The long-staying juvenile continues at Llys-y-Fran Reservoir (Pembs).

 

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER

Long-staying juveniles remain at Cheddar Reservoir (Somerset), Carsington Water (Derbyshire) and Chasewater (Staffs), with the Staines Reservoirs (Surrey) juvenile sighted again on 17th.

 

BLACK-NECKED GREBE

A marked increase inland with spring passage commencing, including 10 at Staines Reservoirs South Basin (Surrey) on 16th and others at Wilstone Reservoir, Tring, on 17th (pair) and Weir Wood Reservoir (Sussex) (16th-17th), with longer-stayers at Ibsley Water (Hants) (3), Pagham Lagoon (West Sussex) (12th-17th), Lade GP (Kent) on 13th-14th, Houghton Green Flash (Cheshire) on 13th and at Rutland Water North Arm (Leics) on 13th-15th.

 

RED-NECKED GREBE

Inland, long-staying birds remain at Buckden GP (Cambs) (on west pit at TL 208 676), Weir Wood Reservoir (Sussex) and Cheddar Reservoir (Somerset) whilst offshore, singles were in Portland Harbour (Dorset) on 14th-15th and in Loch Ryan (Galloway) (12th).

 

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON

The latest issue of Yorkshire Birding magazine has just reached my desk and what an impressive issue it is. The magazine is now in its 16th year of circulation and is now at its most professionally produced ever. This particular issue is littered with some great rare bird occurrence articles including the Asiatic Brown Flycatcher at Flamborough Head, the White's Thrush at Thorngumbold (unfortunately found dead after flying into a window), the Desert Wheatear which almost overwintered at Scarborough and the Red-flanked Bluetail at Flamborough.

 

The Seasonal Summary for period October-December 2007 is enhanced by the inclusion of two neatly laid-out colour plates featuring 16 images and depicting such rarities as Cattle Egret, the White's Thrush and the Bluetail, two different October Blyth's Reed Warblers, two Pallas's Leaf Warblers, Mealy Redpoll and a Little Bunting. The summary of sightings is very detailed and accurate and a useful reference.

 

There are also regular features like the Yorkshire Birder Profile (this issue featuring Doug Simpson MBE), the humorous anecdotes of Mr Lister and additional articles on the Yorkshire Boundaries and a history of Yorkshire's introduced Red Kite population.

 

In a world now dominated by the computer, I am pleased to see productions like this still succeeding and at just £12.00 subscription per year (for 4 issues), it is money very well spent.

 

For membership enquiries, contact Andrew Gibson at spurnywt@ukonline.co.uk or send a cheque for £12.00 to Yorkshire Birding, Bluebell, Kilnsea, East Yorkshire, HU12 0UB.

 

 

It seems that after 68 days in residence, the male WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW has finally moved on from Cley village in Norfolk. Once again today, after much searching, he is not to be found. Throughout its long and very welcome stay, the bird was seen by probably more birdwatchers than any vagrant previously recorded in Britain (possibly by even more than what observed 'Sammy' - the adult Black-winged Stilt that became resident at Titchwell RSPB Reserve for over a decade) and certainly raised more money in donations (in excess of £6,000) than any other rarity previously recorded. Furthermore, never before have so many European twitchers travelled for a British vagrant, including birders from Scandinavia, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Spain. He will be sorely missed.

 

Back to today however and the most interesting news is the locating of the second PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER in Dorset this year - this time in Weymouth (Dara Croxon et al)

 

The sprite is showing reasonably well just north of Morrison's Supermarket in Two Mile Coppice this morning; from the Manor Roundabout a mile north of Radipole Lake RSPB, park by the electricity sub-station in Green Road, off Dorchester Road, immediately north of the Morrison's roundabout; and walk down the bridleway under the railway bridge; the entrance to the wood being on the left. Go through the gate and take the path to the left and the bird is favouring the ivy, bramble scrub and Holly trees after 200 yards; the site is extremely muddy so wellingtons are recommended. This is the first spring record for the Weymouth area and is a fairly typical dull spring worn individual

This is the UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert for Monday 10th March 2008, issued at 1700 hours and published in association with Rare Bird Alert Pagers (www.rarebirdalert.com), the Regional Birdlines and Birdguides (www.birdguides.com) and utilising information gleaned from individual websites and email groups and from individual observers. A personalised alert system is available to all UK400 Club Online subscribers.

 

One of the most intense storms of the winter arrived over Southern Britain overnight, bringing heavy rain and gale force winds (reaching 95 mph on the Isle of Wight, 82 mph on the Mumbles, Swansea and 77 mph on Scilly). Coinciding with high spring tides, the south coast took some battering, particularly Devon and Cornwall. Despite its potency, few birds of interest arrived in its wake, with seawatching in Dorset and South Devon yielding little more than a handful of Balearic and Manx Shearwaters, Pomarine Skuas and Sandwich Terns.

 

The past week has seen a few new arrivals, the most striking being the reappearance of the first-year KILLDEER on Shetland - back at Pool of Virkie on at least 6th-9th March. This bird was last seen on Shetland on 4th November 2007 (after spending 7 months on the archipelago) and represented the 270th species of the year. Other highlights included the drake LESSER SCAUP at Loch Magillie/Soulseat Loch, Stranraer (Galloway) (3rd-10th) and the Draycote bird at Brandon Marsh NR (Warks) on 5th, a LITTLE BUNTING at Porth Farm NT, 6 miles SE of Truro (Cornwall) (SW 867 239) on 4th-6th, a couple of early Ospreys (271), a wintering Curlew Sandpiper in Essex (at Coalhouse Fort, Tilbury - 272) and a fairly confiding EURASIAN HOOPOE at Llanrwst (Conwy) (4th-10th).

 

Detailed summary of sightings - 1st-10th March 2008

(please note that LGRE welcomes all reports of such species in this summary - email LGREUK400@aol.com)

 

RED-THROATED DIVER

Inland, one remained at Far Ings NT (North Lincs) from 1st-7th March

 

BLACK-THROATED DIVER

The only freshwater bird remains the juvenile at Llys-y-Fran Reservoir (Pembrokeshire) from 1st-10th

 

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER

Inland, long-staying juveniles include singles at Chasewater (Staffs), Carsington Water (Derbyshire), Island Barn Reservoir (London) (to 2nd), Cheddar Reservoir (Somerset) (to 7th) and Chew Valley Lake (Avon).

 

SLAVONIAN GREBE

Surprisingly scarce, with 3 inland at Alton Water (Suffolk) and 1-2 on Dungeness ARC Pit (Kent).

 

BLACK-NECKED GREBE

At Staines Reservoirs (Surrey), numbers have increased from 3 to 8 in the past week, with 5 more on William Girling Reservoir (London) and 3 on Dungeness ARC Pit (Kent). Elsewhere, 2 remain on Ibsley Water (Hants) and another at Orton Brick Pits (Cambs).

 

RED-NECKED GREBE

Three remain inland, with singles at Buckden GP (Cambs), Cheddar Reservoir (Somerset) and at Weir Wood Reservoir (Sussex).

 

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON

The long-staying adult of unknown origin remains at Mere Sands Wood LWT, NW of Rufford (Lancs) and south of the B5246 Holmeswood Road. It can be viewed in its daytime roost spot from either Cyril Gibbon's Hide or from the second footbridge along the End Lane Trail. It is likely that this is an escape from Edinburgh Zoo but is unringed.

 

CATTLE EGRET

In Cornwall, up to 19 remain between Drift and Sancreed near Treganhoe Farm and 11 on the Camel Estuary (viewed from the Tregunna Hide), with 1 still NW of the Golden Lion causeway at Stithians Reservoir. In North Devon, at least 5 continue near Bideford and in South Devon, three remain on the Kingsbridge Estuary and 3 near Powderham Church. Three intermittently roost at Radipole Lake RSPB (Dorset), with others at East Holme and at Abbotsbury, and 2 still remain at East Lavant (Sussex). Elsewhere in the country, one remains in South Wales at Pennard (Swansea), with another near Higer Poynton (Cheshire).

 

GREAT WHITE EGRET

A bird remains at Shapwick Heath (Somerset) at Noah's Lake, with an unringed adult at Cotswold Water Park (Wilts) on Pit 60.

 

WHITE STORK

A bird presumably from the free-flying collection at Harewood flew along the River Wharfe between Ilkley and Otley (West Yorks) on 9th.

 

GLOSSY IBIS

Both overwintering birds remain, with the Coto Donanan-ringed (Spain) 2nd-winter at Howden's Pullover (North Lincs) and another 2nd-winter at Warton Bank, Lytham St Anne's (Lancs) (the latter relocating to Marshside Marsh RSPB on 9th-10th).

 

SACRED IBIS

The colour-ringed bird of unknown origin remains at Holkham Freshmarsh (Norfolk).

 

EURASIAN SPOONBILL

In Cornwall, 3 birds remain on the River Lynher and another on the River Camel, whilst in North Devon, 4 continue at Islay Marsh RSPB, Taw Estuary. Up to 9 continue at Middlebere and on Brownsea Island (Dorset), with 1-2 more at Lodmoor RSPB (Dorset).

 

SNOW GOOSE

A blue morph adult Snow Goose remains with Pink-footed Geese in the Falside Farm/Kilconquhar Lake area of Fife (1st-10th).

 

ROSS'S SNOW GOOSE

In Norfolk, one of three overwintering adults this winter returned to Holkham Freshmarsh, where it could be seen daily with up to 3,000 lingering Pink-footed Geese from 3rd-10th. Two further birds have already migrated northwest back towards the Arctic but have stopped in North Lancashire/Cumbria, with one at Aldcliffe Marshes and another near Low Eskrigg.

 

TUNDRA BEAN GEESE

In East Anglia, lingering birds remain at Abberton Reservoir (Essex) and Wherstead Strand (Suffolk), with 3 at Welney WWT (Norfolk) and another in SE England at Scotney GP (East Sussex).

 

RED-BREASTED GOOSE

The adult that wintered with Dark-bellied Brent Geese at West Wittering (West Sussex) was last reported at Sandy Point, Hayling Island (Hants) on 8th, whilst the adult with Barnacle Geese on the Solway Firth reappeared at Caerlaverock WWT (Dumfries & Galloway) on 7th. Further feral/escaped individuals include an adult in Suffolk, one with a yellow and red ring on its left leg at Chigborough Lakes (Essex) and another unringed bird at Huntingdon Water Meadows (Cambs) on 6th.

 

FALCATED DUCK

A drake remains at Countess Wear Sewage Farm Lagoon (South Devon) (to 9th), with further drakes of suspect origin at Cop Mere (Staffs) and at Southfleet (Kent).

 

AMERICAN WIGEON

In what has been an exceptionally poor winter for this species just three remain, with single drakes on the Wick River (Caithness), Pollyvashir on the Isle of Man and in Angle Bay (Pembrokeshire).

 

NORTH AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL

Overwintering birds still present include two on Orkney (at Tankerness Loch and at Loch of Brockan), one on Shetland (Loch of Tingwall) and in Northumberland (Woodhorn Flash), whilst long-staying drakes remain at Marshside Marsh RSPB (Lancs) and Elton Hall Flash, Sandbach (Cheshire). A sprinkling of returning passage birds which have wintered elsewhere in Southern Europe include single drakes at Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs) (1st), Eyebrook Reservoir (Rutland) (5th, 7th, 9th), Back Saltholme Pool (Cleveland) (6th-7th) and Stanwick Country Park (Northants) (8th-10th).

 

GARGANEY

A sprinkling of early arrivals, with a drake exceptionally north on the Outer Hebrides (seen at Loch Fada, Benbecula, on 4th and on Loch Bee, South Uist, on 9th) and further drakes at Barnes WWT (London) (2nd-10th) and at Leg of Mutton NR (London) on 8th.

 

LESSER SCAUP

Adult drakes remained at Stourhead NT, Stourton (Wilts) until 3rd and at Torr Reservoir (Somerset) to 2nd, with the Draycote Water (Warks) first-winter drake moving overnight on 4th to Brandon Marsh NR (5th). In Galloway, a drake was seen at Loch Magillie/Soulseat Loch from 3rd-10th.

 

RING-NECKED DUCK

A female remains at Bassenthwaite Lake (Cumbria) and an adult drake at Foxcote Reservoir (North Bucks), with a 'new' drake at Rutland Water (Leics) on 9th.

 

KING EIDER

A first-winter drake remained in North Devon off the Skern at Northam Burrows throughout, whilst in Argyll, an adult drake was once again off Uisead Point on 1st-3rd.

 

SURF SCOTER

On the South Coast, single first-winter females remain off Dawlish Warren (South Devon) and between West Bexington and Abbotsbury (Dorset), whilst regular adult drakes include singles off Dornoch Pier (Sutherland), Lower Largo (Fife) and Ruddon's Point, Largo Bay (Fife).

 

LONG-TAILED DUCK

Most unusual is the 5 first-winters at Hanningfield Reservoir (Essex) from 1st-10th, whilst other freshwater sightings include singles at Hornsea Mere (East Yorks) on 1st, on Castle Loch NR (Galloway) (to 1st), a first-winter female at Stretton Sugwas Pits (Herefordshire) on 1st-8th, Rutland Water North Arm (Rutland) on 4th, Hauxley NR (Northumberland) on 1st-10th, Rye Harbour Long Pit (East Sussex) on 1st-10th and at Wimbleball Lake (Somerset) on 3rd-10th. Two females remained on Pit 27, Barton-on-Humber (North Lincs) until at least 1st.

 

OSPREY

Early returning migrants included singles heading north over Oxenton (Gloucs) on 4th, Brandon Marsh NR (Warks) on 7th and over Winchester M3 Services (Hants) on 7th.

 

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD

Two wintering birds remain on the Isle of Sheppey (Kent), with others at Sleddale (North Yorks) and at Scolt Head Island (Norfolk).

 

SPOTTED CRAKE

An exceptionally early migrant flew in off the sea exhausted at Shoreham-by-Sea (West Sussex) on 19th February.

 

COMMON CRANE

The peak count in the Norfolk Broadland area/Stubb Mill roost in the past 10 days has been of 23 birds, whilst elsewhere, an adult remains with Whooper Swans at Welney WWT (Norfolk) and in Northern Scotland, 3 birds continue near Hastigrow (Caithness) (to 5th at least) and another 3 between Pitagavenny House and Gordonsward (Moray & Nairn) (NJ 242 648). Two flew over Banff (Aberdeenshire) at midday on 7th with others at Farcet and Willow Hall Lane, Peterborough (Cambs) on 7th-8th and at Huttoft Bank Pit LWT (North Lincs) with 32 Whooper Swans on 7th-8th.

 

GREAT BUSTARD

A bird from the Salisbury Plain (Wilts) release scheme remains off the A429 Way at Foss Cross (Gloucs) at c.SP065092. From the Hare & Hounds Pub, go south west towards Calmsden to view the kale field on the left. The bird has been present since at least 29th February.

 

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

A trickle of migrants recorded from 3rd March.

 

CURLEW SANDPIPER

The first of the year involved a winter-plumaged bird on the East Tilbury foreshore (Essex) on 8th.

 

TEMMINCK'S STINT

An overwintering bird remains on the Dumbles, Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs).

 

WHIMBREL

At least four overwintering birds remain, with a scattering of migrant flocks noted along the South Coast this last week.

 

WILSON'S SNIPE

The overwintering bird on Lower Moors, St Mary's (Isles of Scilly), remained until at least 5th.

 

LESSER YELLOWLEGS

A first-winter continues at Montrose Basin LNR (Angus).

 

SPOTTED SANDPIPER

An overwintering first-winter remains present at Lisvane Reservoir, Cardiff (East Glamorgan).

 

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER

The overwintering bird remains at Bowling Green Marsh RSPB, Topsham (South Devon).

 

RING-BILLED GULL

Long-staying regular individuals include adults at Westcliff Promenade, Southend (Essex) and Walpole Park Lake, Gosport (Hants), whilst a crop of new arrivals involved an adult at Llys-y-Fran Country Park (Pembs) (to 1st), a 2nd-w2inter in Penrhos Bay car park (Anglesey) (from 1st-10th), an adult at Strathclyde Country Park (Clyde) (1st-2nd & 8th), a first-winter at Lamby Lake (Glamorgan) (1st-10th), a first-winter at Stithians Reservoir (Cornwall) on 6th & 9th, an adult at Boddington Reservoir (Northants) (7th & 9th) and a first-winter at Dale Seafront (Pembs) on 8th.

 

CASPIAN GULL

A large number of reports with Hole Haven Creek (Essex) yielding most individuals, but with 3 at Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk), several at Chasewater (Staffs), a first-winter at Theale Moatlands Pit (Berks) on 1st-2nd, a 2nd-winter at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) on 1st, up to 2 at Stubber's Green (West Midlands), a 1st-winter at Harewood (North Yorks) on 3rd, up to 5 in the Dungeness Area (Kent), a 3rd-winter at Draycote Water (Warks) on 4th, a 1st-winter at Belvide on 5th & 8th, a 1st-winter on Strathclyde Loch (Clyde) on 5th-7th and two at Rainham Marshes RSPB (London).

 

BLACK GUILLEMOT

In South Devon, one was present off of the River Otter NR on 3rd-4th.

 

SNOWY OWL

Belated news concerned a female on the Cairngorm Mountains photographed on Ben Macdui by a hill-walker on 16th February (see

 

EURASIAN HOOPOE

In Cornwall, one remained in gardens in the Porthgwarra area from 2nd-6th, whilst in North Wales, one was at Gwydyr Forest Clwyd) from at least 5th-10th (at SH773587). From the B5106 take minor road southwest, past the Nant Bwlch yr haiarn Outdoor Centre and park at disused mine workings after 800m. Follow footpath over a stile and across field to junction with a driveway.

 

SHORE LARK

In North Norfolk, three birds remained at Cley NWT from 1st-10th.

 

RICHARD'S PIPIT

In North Lincolnshire, an elusive individual remains on the seawall and adjacent saltmarsh at Howden's Pullover.

 

BOHEMIAN WAXWING

The very showy Allestree (Derbyshire) adult remained until 2nd, with 20 in Aberdeen on 2nd and 3 in Motherwell (Clyde) on 4th-5th.

 

BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER

In East Yorkshire, the bird still remains on the stream between Mill House and the wood at Watton; park in the layby by Tophill Low turning, cross the A164 and take the footpath along the stream to between road and wood. Keep to public rights of way.

 

SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF

Up to 4 remain at Long Rock Pool, Marazion (Cornwall), with 2 at Darby Green Sewage Works (Berks/Hants bdr) and singles at Coldwaltham Brooks Sewage Farm (Sussex), Radipole Lake RSPB (Dorset) (7th-9th) and West Stow CP (Suffolk) (8th-9th).

 

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER 

Six recorded, with 1-2 at Lower Nansloe Farm, Helston (Cornwall) and singles at Jarrow Cenetery (Tyneside), Bartonsham Sewage Works, Hereford (SO 522 388), Pottery Wood, Bovey Tracey (South Devon) (SX 813 774) and Plymouth Central Park (South Devon) (SX 474 558).

 

HUME'S LEAF WARBLER

Two birds remain, with singles at Norton Cemetery, Stockton-on-Tees (Cleveland) and in Tehidy Country Park, Camborne (Cornwall) (1st-4th).

 

PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER

One remained with Firecrests and Goldcrests at Oakenwood SSSI (Dorset) until at least 7th.

 

NORTHERN GREY SHRIKE

Up to 18 individuals remain on winter territory, mainly in southern Britain.

 

ROSE-COLOURED STARLING

In Pembrokeshire, a first-winter remains in Haverfordwest, favouring gardens at the rear of Portgain, viewed from the access path on Jury Lane c.SM955155. There is ample parking behind the playing field on Jury Lane. Do not enter private gardens and respect residents' privacy. 

 

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW

One of the most popular vagrants of all-time, the adult male remains in Cley village (North Norfolk) until at least 9th.

 

LAPLAND BUNTING

At Salthouse Beach (Norfolk), one female from this winter's bumper influx remains, whilst elsewhere, some 8-10 remain at Howden's Pullover (North Lincs), 4 at Trevose Head (Cornwall), 2 at Worth Marshes, Sandwich Bay (Kent) and 1 at Filey Tip (North Yorks). Up to 3 remained at Buckden (Cambs) until 2nd.

Following an exhaustive review by the BOURC (see British Birds 101: March 2008 137-141), the record of Chinese Yellow Bittern is no longer considered acceptable (said to have been found freshly dead at Radipole Lake, Dorset, on 23rd November 1962). This record was originally mentioned in the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society Proceedings (Volume 84: 63) and then fully documented by me in 1994 (see Evans 1994, Rare Birds in Britain 1993, pages 30-31).

 

As a result of the review, the species is now removed from both the UK400 Club Definite List of Birds of Britain and Ireland and Definitive List of Birds of the Western Palearctic.

 

The record is considered to be fraudulent, due to anomalies in reporting, finding and plumage condition.

With the addition of Stone Curlew (3 early migrants), Little Ringed Plover (several), SNOWY OWL (singles in Galway and in Speyside) and White Wagtail (several), the total number of species now recorded in Britain and Ireland in 2008 moves forward to 269.

 

The pair of Hooded Mergansers mentioned in my most recent Rare Bird Alert (Issue 5) are now considered to be escapes from captivity. They remain on the same pond in Derbyshire and are colour-ringed.

This is the regional review for SCOTLAND, covering the period 1st-4th March 2008 - regional reviews for all areas of Britain can be found at the UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert email group (subscription membership only). Information for this review was mainly supplied by BIRDLINE SCOTLAND (09068 700234 *To phone in news, 01292 611994), RARE BIRD ALERT (www.rarebirdalert.com) and BIRDGUIDES (www.birdguides.com).

 

Wintering WHITE-BILLED DIVERS include a single adult off Port Skigersta, at the extreme NW end of Lewis (Outer Hebrides), and 3 in South Nesting Bay (Shetland), whilst small numbers of RED-NECKED GREBE remain offshore in the Firth of Forth, best observed during calm conditions off Longniddry (Lothian). A Black-necked Grebe was seen off Aberlady Bay (Lothian) on 2nd.

 

The only ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD in Scotland this winter is the well-watched juvenile at Queenamidda (Orkney) whilst WHITE-TAILED SEA and GOLDEN EAGLES are still showing well in Lochmaddy Harbour and elsewhere on North Uist (Outer Hebrides) and in Gruinard Bay (Highland).

 

The first-winter SPOTTED SANDPIPER remains on the River Avon, adjacent to the Kinneil Lagoon (Forth), favouring the section between the sewage farm and the pipebridge downstream. It is best to park by the sewage works at the end of the approach track from the A904. In Angus, the long-staying first-winter LESSER YELLOWLEGS continues at the Rossie Spit, Montrose Basin LNR (view from near the railway viaduct), the lone vagrant PIED AVOCET also still here. The wintering WHIMBREL remains on Burray (Orkney), favouring the beach just east of the hotel.

 

Just 3 COMMON CRANES remain in Moray & Nairn (of 11), two adults and a juvenile in ploughed fields between Pitgaveny House and Gordonstown at cNJ 242 648 (moving to near Loch Spynie on 4th),.

 

In terms of wildfowl, the blue morph adult SNOW GOOSE was in roadside fields at Falside Farm, Anstruther (Fife) on 1st-2nd, a scattering of PALE-BELLIED BRENT GEESE include 8 at Carnoustie (Angus), two off Montrose Pier (Angus) and 7 off Maidens Beach (Ayrshire), 2 GREENLAND WHITE-FRONTED GEESE at Lochlea Farm Pool (Ayrshire) (NS 457 303) and two flocks still in Galloway, a drake LESSER SCAUP reported at Loch Magillie, Stranraer (Galloway), adult drake SURF SCOTERS include singles off Dornoch (Sutherland), Ruddon's Point, Lower Largo (Fife) and off Lower Largo town (Fife) and a drake NORTH AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL remains on Loch of Tingwall (Shetland).. A pair of SMEW continues at Vane Farm RSPB (Perthshire), with single redheads at Scatness Pool (Shetland), Carlingwark Loch (Dumfries) and Linlithgow Loch (Lothian) and a drake at South Calder Water mouth (Clyde) and at Loch na Bo (Moray), whilst LONG-TAILED DUCKS remain on freshwater at Castle Loch NR (Galloway). At least 132 Greater Scaup were counted on the pond at Auchenharvie Golf Course (Ayrshire) on 2nd March (at NS 258 414) whilst a drake GARGANEY was an exceptional find at Loch Fada, Benbecula (Outer Hebrides) on 4th.

 

A RED-NECKED GREBE was an unusual occurrence off The Wig, off the west shore of Loch Ryan (Galloway) on 1st (Pete Berry), this same area harbouring up to 15 Slavonian Grebes, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Great Northern Divers and a wintering flock of 11 Pale-bellied Brent Geese. An adult Mediterranean Gull has been frequenting Soleburm Bridge, with a 2nd-winter Iceland Gull reported behind the cafe in St Agnew Park and an immature Kumlien's-type gull at Bishop Burn, Stranraer. Some 675 Greater Scaup remain just north of Stranraer.

 

An adult RING-BILLED GULL has been showing very well on the west side of Strathclyde Loch (Clyde) (Keith Hoey et al), favouring the area by the car park in the SW corner, whilst regular ICELAND GULLS include the adult in Ayr town centre (Ayrshire), a 2nd-winter on Aviemore Tip (Speyside). up to 8 juveniles in Mallaig Harbour (Argyll), several in Fraserburgh Harbour (Aberdeenshire), up to 10 in Carness Bay (Orkney) and up to 5 juveniles in Stornoway Harbour, Lewis (Outer Hebrides). It has been a good year for juvenile GLAUCOUS GULLS,  with two on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) and singles at Fraserburgh, Forfar Loch (Angus) and a host of other sites, whilst a 2nd-winter KUMLIEN'S GULL was identified in Fraserburgh Harbour on 2nd (Chris Gibbins).

 

The ringed Siberian Lesser Whitethroat (blythii) continues to visit garden feeders in Irvine (Ayrshire) whilst a wintering BLACK REDSTART remains at nearby Seamill (Ayrshire), favouring the rocky foreshore south of the burn adjacent to the Hydro. A female BLACK REDSTART is also showing well on the beach between Ardencaple Hotel and Ardencaple burn mouth (NS 278 832) near Hemensburgh (Clyde), with another seen at Dunbar (Lothian) on 3rd. A WATER PIPIT at Dunglass Burn river mouth (Borders) is one of a tiny few wintering in Scotland this year, whilst BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS still lingering in Scotland include 20 on Springfield Road, Aberdeen and 3 in Motherwell (Clyde).

This is the British Birding Association Rare Bird Alert for Friday 29th February 2008, issued at 2100 hours and published in association with Rare Bird Alert Pagers (www.rarebirdalert.com) and utilising additional information gleaned from Birdguides, the Regional Birdline network, local email groups and websites and individual observers.

 

At the end of a very mild week (and in fact one of the warmest Februarys on record), it came as no surprise to see a number of early migrants recorded, including large numbers of Pied Avocets, numerous Eurasian Curlews, Sand Martins, a single House Martin in Cornwall, the odd Northern Wheatear and a Little Ringed Plover in Hampshire (266th species of the year). Associated with this influx were a few northbound wildfowl, including North American Green-winged Teals at Barton-upon-Humber (North Lincs), Elton Hall Flash, Sandbach (Cheshire) and Eyebrook Reservoir (Leics) and a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS in Derbyshire/Yorkshire. The latter, first seen SE of Chinley on a millpond south of the river relocated today to Ardsley Reservoir, just south of Leeds (West Yorkshire) (although it is unknown at present whether either or both are ringed, the possibility remains that they could be genuine vagrants). A first-winter female SURF SCOTER off West Bexington/Abbotsbury Swannery (Dorset) is presumably the bird that wintered off Dawlish Warren (South Devon) whilst a first-winter drake KING EIDER in North Devon (present since 18th and the first county record) continues to roam the Skern, between Northam Burrows and Instow.

 

Two ROSE-COLOURED STARLINGS were located this week, with first-years in Haverfordwest (Pembs) (in the back garden of 44 Portfield) (since 24th) and at East Cowes (Isle of Wight) (present since October 2007), whilst a HOOPOE was an early migrant at Polgigga (Cornwall) on 25th. Two PENDULINE TITS, also present since last November, put in another brief appearance at Minsmere RSPB West Hide (Suffolk) on 26th.

 

It has been a good week for rare 'Leaf' warblers with a very vocal PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER at Oakenwood SSSI in Moreton Forest (Dorset) since 24th (James Lowther et al) (park along the minor road at SY 808912 and walk north for 400 yards to Oakers Wood House. Turn left for 200 yards to the crossroads, then walk right for a further 200 yards to view the Holly trees and clumps to the right of the track at SY 809 918) (the bird is consorting with 2 Firecrests and 3 Goldcrests) and HUME'S LEAF WARBLERS still at Norton Churchyard, Stockton-on-Tees (Cleveland) (from the A19, take the A1027 ring road west to the first roundabout and then turn left to the green and right - NZ 443 221) and at Tehidy Country Park, north of Cambourne (Cornwall) (west of car park in scrub by the first pond behind the cafe - accessed from South Drive - cSW 649 432). YELLOW-BROWED WARBLERS include singles SE of Dartmoor (South Devon) just south of Bovey Tracey by Pottery Road at Pottery Wood (at SX 813 774 near Pottery Pond), at Plymouth Central Park (South Devon), at Lower Hansloe Farm, Helston (Cornwall), at Bartonsham Sewage Works, Hereford and at Jarrow Cemetery (Tyneside).

 

The Donana-ringed 2nd-winter GLOSSY IBIS continues to attract admirers at Howden's Pullover, NNW of Saltfleet (North Lincs), with an elusive RICHARD'S PIPIT in this area, whilst a 'new' CATTLE EGRET this week is one SW of Swansea (Glamorgan) east of Southgate at Pennard (in field just east of Hunt's Farm; use the NT car park and walk to SS 568 869). The large flock of 18 still continues near Treganhoe Farm, between Drift and Sancreed (West Cornwall), whilst 3 continue to roost each evening at the north end of Radipole Lake RSPB (Dorset). In the north, one still remains north of Macclesfield (Cheshire) north of Higher Poynton and west of Middlewood Road by New House Farm at SJ 941 845.

 

In Wales, a 2nd-winter RING-BILLED GULL remains at Penrhos Coastal Park car park in Bedmannarch Bay (Anglesey), with a confiding first-winter still SE of Cardiff (Glamorgan) just SE of the A48/A4161 roundabout opposite the landfill site at Lamby Lake (ST 217 784). Others this week included an adult at Boddington Reservoir (Northants) and a first-winter at Stithians Reservoir (Cornwall).

 

A highly mobile GREAT WHITE EGRET reappeared at Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve (Lancs) today, with long-stayers including singles at Thorpeness Meare (Suffolk), Shapwick Heath NNR (Somerset) and at Holkham Grazing Marshes (Norfolk). The Hampshire bird has returned to Cotswold Water Park Pit 95 where it spent much of last summer.

 

A total of 33 COMMON CRANES remain present in Britain with still in Scotland (3 SE of Thurso, Caithness, at Hastigrow in ploughed fields north of the B876 near Sackville House at ND 255 618 and 3 more NE of Elgin opposite the old airfield (NJ 293 665), 1 still with Whooper Swans at Welney WWT (Norfolk) and 26 in Norfolk Broadland, roosting in Brayden Marshes reedbed.

 

The North American WILSON'S SNIPE continues to survive on Lower Moors Pool, St Mary's (Scilly), with the first-winter LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER still at Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham (South Devon) and first-winter LESSER YELLOWLEGS and Pied Avocet at Montrose Basin LNR (Angus).

 

LESSER SCAUPS in situ include a drake on Coot Loch, Benbecula (Outer Hebrides) (NF 770 510), a drake at Stourhead NT (Wilts), a first-winter drake at Toft Bay, Draycote Water (Warks) and a female on Shetland, whilst the only drake AMERICAN WIGEON reported this week was that at Poyllvaaish on the Isle of Man.

 

The three SHORE LARKS have reappeared at the end of East Bank, Cley NWT (Norfolk), with a more reliable individual still with Skylarks on the saltmarsh at Rye Harbour NR (East Sussex), whilst LAPLAND BUNTINGS include up to 5 in stubble at Trevose Head (North Cornwall) (opposite Coastguard Cottages at SW 855 764), up to 3 SSE of Buckden (Cambs) in stubble west of Stirtloe Sewage Works, 5 at Worth Marshes, Sandwich Bay (East Kent), up to 8 at Thornham (Norfolk) and singles at Sturt (Hampshire) and at Salthouse (Norfolk). The only BOHEMIAN WAXWING reported in recent days is the bird opposite Woodlands Evangelical Church in Woodlands Road, Allestree (Derbyshire).

 

The adult RED-BREASTED GOOSE is still present with Dark-bellied Brent Geese at West Wittering (West Sussex).

 

A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD continues to range between Burnham Norton seawall and Scolt Head Island (North Norfolk)

 

In IRELAND, a RICHARDSON'S CANADA GOOSE remains with Barnacle Geese at Ballintemple (Co. Sligo), whilst two female SURF SCOTERS remain in Galway Harbour off Silver Strand. A FORSTER'S TERN has been present at Killyleagh (Co.Down) since 24th, with the regular adult still in Galway Harbour, commuting between Claddagh Beach and Doorus Pier. Two NORTH AMERICAN HERRING GULLS remain in Galway Harbour, most regularly in the Fish Dock, whilst Nimmo's Pier holds 3 Ring-billed Gulls, 2 juvenile Kumlien's Gulls and at least 20 Iceland Gulls. A scattering of CATTLE EGRETS continue, including 4 near Cobh (Co. Cork), and the female LESSER SCAUP remains at Clea Lakes.

 

In County Cork, the long-staying AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT continues to show very well 2 miles SW of Youghal at Red Barn Strand (south of the slipway on the beach; from Youghal take the R633 west and take first left to the Quality Hotel).