Through the 300 barrier..........

Before we have even got to the end of March, the record-breaking temperatures and light SE winds have ensured the total number of species recorded in combined Britain and Ireland this year has now increased to an impressive 301 species with the addition and arrival of an impressive array of early migrants and outstanding vagrants..........

Ireland has stolen the show with recent BAILLON'S CRAKE and RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL occurrencies but SW Britain hit back with a EURASIAN SCOPS OWL on Scilly for at least two days.....

The list of incoming migrants has included Hobby (4+ reports), WRYNECK (on Bryher, Scilly), Tree Pipit, Common Redstart, Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler (exceptionally early), Pied Flycatcher and EUROPEAN SERIN

If this weather continues, it must only be a matter of time before some more southern overshoots appear........Great Spotted Cuckoo well overdue