With today's SAXAUL GREY SHRIKE in North Lincolnshire, the total number of species now recorded in Britain and Ireland in 2008 increases to an absolutely staggering 441 species - 7 clear of last year's record.
Since my last update, the following species have been added -:
BLACK-THROATED THRUSH - first-winter at Holme, Norfolk
PINE BUNTING - St Osyth, Essex, late October
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK - first-winter at Kilbaha in County Clare IRELAND
Two further species are still under review - a drake CANVASBACK in North Yorkshire (identification) and two HOODED MERGANSERS of unknown origin (in Dorset and in Fife - category status to be decided)