UK400ClubRareBirdAlert: February 2016

RARE BIRDS & SCARCE MIGRANTS IN BRITAIN & IRELAND IN 2015: A Review of the Year

2015 turned out to be the warmest since records began in 1890, while the El Nino effect that had influenced so much of the autumn resulted in the wettest November and December in many parts of the country, bringing unprecedented flooding to parts of Lancashire, Cumbria, Dumfries & Galloway and Aberdeenshire. In terms of bird diversity, at just 434 species for combined Britain & Ireland, 2015 was one of the poorest years this Millenium....

As in 2014, there was just a single new species for the list in 2015 – an Acadian Flycatcher at Dungeness in September. There were many other outstanding occurrencies though, favourites among many being the Citril Finch, Wilson’s Warbler, Cretszchmar’s Bunting, Hudsonian Godwit, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Great Blue Heron, Crag Martin, Rufous Turtle Dove or Greater Yellowlegs. Leading UK lister Steve Gantlett was just six species shy of the Big 600 as we entered the New Year – will 2016 see him make the magic milestone? Only time will tell.

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

The regular adult in Mount’s Bay, Penzance (Cornwall) back for its 7^th consecutive winter was seen intermittently until 8^th March, while that off Pendower Beach (Cornwall) was with Black-throated Divers on at least 17^th-22^nd February. The Mount’s Bay adult reappeared on 30^th April, in full breeding splendour, gracing the bay until 4^th May, before returning for its 8^th winter on 26^th November.

WHITE-BILLED DIVER

Another good year. Wintering records included singles in Bluemull Sound (Shetland) until 15^th March, off Kirkabister (Shetland) until 5^th March and at St Margaret’s Hope, South Ronaldsay (Orkney) until 20^th March. Up to 12 were then recorded in the cold waters between Portsoy and Burghead Between 13^th March and 10^th May, while elsewhere in spring, at least 3 were offshore of Port Nis, Lewis (Outer Hebrides) from 16^th-20^th April and singles in Gruinard Bay (Highland) on 15^th April, Water Sound (Orkney) again from 17^th April to 9^th May, Eshaness (Shetland) on 1^st May and Quendale (Shetland) on 2^nd May. The regular Bluemull Sound adult reappeared in Shetland on 28^th October.

PIED-BILLED GREBE

A tired transatlantic migrant spent the day resting on the River Severn off Berkeley Power Station (Gloucs) on 24^th April before moving north overnight to Leighton Moss RSPB (Lancs), where it delighted large numbers of admirers from 25^th April to 4^th May.

FEA’S SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL

A spate of sightings off SW Ireland in early August perhaps involving 4 or 5 individuals followed by one photographed 16 km SSE of St Mary’s (Scilly) on 16^th August and others flying past Kilcummin Head (Co. Mayo) on 23^rd August, both Flamborough Head & Scarborough (Yorkshire) on 8^th September

NORTH ATLANTIC LITTLE SHEARWATER

Dave Flumm watched one for 5 minutes from 0817-0822 off Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) on 29^th July and then had the audacity to see another at the same site on 31^st August, this one lingering less shortly.

WILSON’S STORM PETREL

Rather unusually, the first of the year was sighted 110 miles WNW of Slyne Head (Co. Galway) on 21^st April. This was then followed by rather a lean autumn with singles off Mizen Head (Co. Cork) on 8^th & 12^th August, The Stags (Co. Cork) on 9^th August, Toe Head (Co. Cork) on 9^th August, Baltimore Pelagic Trips (Co.Cork) on 15^th, 16^th & 29^th August and Bridges of Ross (Co. Clare) on 25^th August. Bob Flood’s Scilly pelagic failed to reap results until as late as 14^th August, recording just 1-2 birds from then until 15^th September.

BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS

Undisputed record of the year involved an adult Black-browed Albatross that joined a small group of Mute Swans behind West Hide, Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) for just a few minutes during a heavy rainstorm on 12^th July. One of the most incredulous records ever! It was the same bird that has spent two summers on Helgoland in Germany.

RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD

About a dozen lucky observers watched a sub-adult pass Gwennap Head, Porthgwarra (Cornwall) from 0805-0810 hours on 28^th August.

LITTLE BITTERN

The first of the spring was unfortunately found dead at St Buryan (Cornwall) on 12^th May. This was then followed by a rather confiding male on Porthloo Duckpond, St Mary’s (Scilly) from 13th May to 9^th June before a barking male was located at Lakenheath Fen RSPB (Suffolk) from 16^th May until 26^th June. Further birds were then located in Cornwall, with a long-stayer at Tresemple Pool/St Clement from 17^th-28^th May and at Helston Loe Pool on 17^th May. At the regular breeding site in Somerset at Shapwick Heath NNR, no less than 4 barking males were present between mid May and early July, while further records involved a male at Kirkby-on-Bain GP (Lincs) on 28^th June and barking males at Old Moor RSPB (South Yorks) from 30^th June to 18^th August, Swillington Ings (West Yorks) on 11^th-12^th July and Willington GP (Derbyshire) on 2^nd August.

AMERICAN BITTERN

A first-winter afforded some very fine views as it frequented the reedy edge of Castlefreke Lake (Co. Cork) from 25^th November until 6^th December, constituting the first-ever twitchable individual in Ireland.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON

A juvenile roosted in Nickoll’s Quarry, Hythe (Kent) from 14^th-23^rd January, possibly that seen at Steyning (West Sussex) on 25^th January. This was then followed by an influx in early April involving at least 9 different individuals on Scilly, some of which sadly did not survive: 3-6 in the Lower Moors/Porthellick area of St Mary’s from 2^nd April to at least 7^th May, one on St Agnes from 3^rd-9^th April and 3 on Tresco on 5^th April. Further arrivals then took place later in April at Marazion Marsh (Cornwall), Kingsbridge & Black Hole Marsh, Seaton (Devon), Bournemouth (Dorset), Burgh-le-Marsh (Lincs) and Attenborough (Notts), with 2 together at Kinsley (Yorks). Two remained in Cornwall into May, with up to 3 reported on the Somerset Levels throughout June. An adult was present in the Swillington Ings area (West Yorks) from 18^th August to 3^rd September.

In Ireland, a juvenile remained in Youghal (Co. Cork) until at least 4^th February

CATTLE EGRET

Two remained from December 2014 at Dungeness RSPB until at least 26^th April , with presumably the third from that area in December at Hamstreet (Kent) from 11^th February until April and at Warehorne (Kent) on 5^th-19^th May, at Cooling Marshes (Kent) on 31^st May and at Hersden (Kent) on 13^th June. One then returned to Somerset, being seen near Trull on 25^th, while further singles were noted at Rutland Water (Leics) on 16^th June, both Trimley & Shotley Marshes in Suffolk on 28^th June and at St Andrews (Fife) on 29^th July. There then followed an almost unprecedented influx at the end of August, with a single flock of 25 birds at Brighstone (Isle of Wight) on 30^th, leaving 23 at Coward’s Marsh, Christchurch (Dorset) later in the day with the additional two at nearby Stanpit Marsh. The flock then dispersed and continued inland and west, with several reaching South Wales and others appearing in Devon and Somerset. At least eight remained until the turn of the year, with at least 3 in Devon and 2 in Somerset.

SQUACCO HERON

The West Country saw two arrive in early May, with singles present at Polgigga (Cornwall) from 5^th-12^th and Prawle Point (Devon) on 9^th-16^th, with further arrivals from mid-month involving singles at South Milton Ley (Devon) on 13^th, Beesands Ley, Slapton (Devon) on 16^th-17^th, Land’s End (Cornwall) on 15^th-17^th, Nanjizal on 15^th, Goonhilly Downs on the Lizard (Cornwall) on 16^th and at Marazion Marsh RSPB (Cornwall) from 6^th-10^th June. A long-stayer was also present on Scilly from 14^th May to 3^rd June, favouring Porthellick Pool, St Mary’s, with one in Ireland at Ballycotton Marsh (Co. Cork) on 22^nd May and further singles at Saltholme Pools (Cleveland) on 18^th & 26^th June, Kirkby-on-Bain GP (Lincs) on 27^th June, Cemlyn Bay (Anglesey) on 30^th June and at Southease (East Sussex) on 3^rd July. In October, one was seen at Nanjizal on 24^th, then at nearby Skewjack on 26^th.

GREAT BLUE HERON

Only the third-ever for Britain – a first-winter – remained on the Isles of Scilly from 14^th April until 6^th May. Initially commuting between Lower Moors and Old Town Bay, St Mary’s, on 14^th-15^th April, it then relocated to Bryher’s Hell Bay, where it invariably showed well from 16^th-25^th April. It then became even more confiding, visiting the hide pools on Lower Moors from 27^th April until 6^th May.

GREAT WHITE EGRET

Further breeding took place in Somerset this year with at least 6 young fledging, while wintering numbers in the first winter period averaged 52 birds and 61 birds in the second, Dungeness once again attracting up to 12 individuals and Shapwick Heath NNR at least 19.

PURPLE HERON

Another below average year with just eight in spring involving singles at Drift Reservoir (Cornwall) from 20th April until 29^th May, Broad Lough (Co. Wicklow) on 29^th April, Bryher & St Mary’s (Scilly) on 3^rd-4^th May, Lodmoor (Dorset) on 12^th-29^th May, Rye Harbour NR (East Sussex) on 13^th May, Dungeness RSPB (Kent) on 13^th May, St Martin’s (Scilly) on 15^th-16^th & 26^th-28^th May (and subsequently St Mary’s & St Agnes on 14^th-25^th June), Kenfig Pool NR (Gower) on 19^th-23^rd June and Ham Wall again on 24^th June & 4^th July. As autumn approached, a first-summer took up residence at King’s Fleet, Felixstowe Ferry (Suffolk) from 14^th July to 10^th August, with one briefly at Cley (Norfolk) on 22^nd July. The last of the year was at Steart WWT (Somerset) on 14^th October.

BLACK STORK

One drifted slowly SW into the Wash from Scolt Head Island, Old Hunstanton and Snettisham RSPB (Norfolk) on 21^st-22^nd May, being reseen over Frampton Marsh RSPB, Boston and Kirkby-on-Bain GP (Lincs) on 22^nd, then Midhope Moor (South Yorks) on 23^rd May. One was then seen over Marloes Mere & Skomer Island (Pembs) on 25^th May, making its way further east to Nantyffyllon (East Glamorgan) on 25^th, Coed Morgan (Gwent) on 26^th, Skomer again on 2^nd June, Newton Abbot (Devon) on 5^th June, both Marazion Marsh and Constantine (Cornwall) on 7^th June, over Penzance, Nanjizal & Polgigga on 8^th June before later flying out to Scilly, drifting west over St Mary’s and then St Agnes. It moved back to St Martin’s on 9^th then Cornwall later that day, drifting once more back up country at Three Barrows. A different bird, first noted at Tuddenham St Mary (Suffolk) on 9^th June, was seen at both Narborough and South Raynham (Norfolk) on 12^th, while a juvenile first seen at Wenhaston Marsh (Suffolk) on 28^th July was found to be one of four fledged from a nest in France, all colour-ringed. Another sibling ranged widely in the Northeast, moving from Greatham Creek (Cleveland) on 1^st August to Haggerston (Northumberland) next day, with ‘F 05R’ eventually settling at Spurn Point from 3^rd-10^th August before relocating to Sunk Island and Stone Creek until 15^th September. A separate family member kept to the south side of the Humber, visiting Blacktoft Sands RSPB (East Yorks) on 3^rd August, then various localities south to Gibraltar Point (Lincs) until 1^st September, perhaps even making it to Cley NWT on 5^th. One was then seen at Hoveringham GP (Notts) on 4^th August, before being seen over Mickleby and Wykeham Forest (North Yorks) next day while F 05P made it to Loch of Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire), where it lingered from 6^th-23^rd August. Another (unringed juvenile) made it to the South Coast, drifting over Hythe & Dungeness (Kent) on 7^th August before stalling in East Sussex, where it took up territory in Bexhill-on-Sea for several weeks, last being noted flying high out to sea on 5^th September. One was also in Dorset, visiting various sites in Poole Harbour on 8^th-9^th August before moving west to Portland, Weymouth and various sites on The Fleet until 12^th and then on to Cornwall and Wadebridge on 17^th August with another in off the sea at Landguard NR (Suffolk) on 28^th August being later seen at Clacton-on-Sea (Essex) that day and over Staines Moor (Middlesex) on 18^th September. Sadly, F 05R was shot near Madrid on 20^th September.

GLOSSY IBIS

In the first winter period, few birds were around, with long-staying birds just in Cambs, South Devon and County Waterford. March saw a minor arrival but with just 3 individuals surviving into May. By early autumn, birds were back, with singles at Brough Airfield Marsh (South Yorks) on 1^st-2^nd August and at Marloes Mere (Pembs) on 1^st August preceding another minor influx, including 5 birds perhaps of Nearctic rather than Iberian origin on Fair Isle for over a week or more. At least 8 birds remained into January 2016, with Ireland experiencing a major irruption in the last week of the year, with 25 or more in County Cork and Waterford..

LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE

A party of 4 birds originating from a 2014 Swedish reintroduction project commuted between Minsmere RSPB Levels, North Warren & Sudbourne Levels (Suffolk) from 30^th December 2014 to 3^rd January, before being satellite-tracked back to Belgium as harsh weather conditions on the near continent receded. A further family party from the same scheme appeared in Shetland in September, remaining for at least a month.

CACKLING CANADA GOOSE

On Islay (Argyll), 1-2 were with Barnacle Geese at Loch Gruinart RSPB and environs until 13^th March, while in North Uist, one remained with Barnacle Geese on Berneray Machair until at least 9^th February. At least two reappeared in mid-October, remaining into 2016.

In Ireland, a regular returning adult was with Barnacle Geese at Lissadell (Co. Sligo) until at least 20^th February, returning as usual in October.

ROSS’S SNOW GOOSE

One was with Pink-footed Geese in the East Chevington/Druridge Bay area (Northumberland) from 24^th January until 20^th February, relocating to Stobswood until 8^th March. It then returned to Scotland where it lingered in the Tullibody area (Fife) from 11^th-24^th March. What was presumably the same adult returned to central Scotland in November, moving with Pinkfeet to Carstairs from at least 1^st-12^th December.

RED-BREASTED GOOSE

The Orkney adult was with Greylag Geese on Stronsay on 25^th January, while in autumn, an adult arrived with Dark-bellied Brent Geese and flew SW past Landguard NR (Suffolk) on 30^th September.

AMERICAN BLACK DUCK

A drake visited Samson (Scilly) on 19^th January, before relocating to the Abbey Pool on Tresco from 27^th January to 17^th April, while the long-staying Strontian (Highland Region) drake was sighted again on 19^th April.

AMERICAN WIGEON

In the first winter period, at least 8 were present (including one in Ireland and 2 females together on the Gannel Estuary in Cornwall), with 5 migrant males in spring, including two drakes in Aberdeenshire. Six had returned by October

BLUE-WINGED TEAL

A drake, presumed to be a returning bird, was at The Shunan (Orkney) from 17^th January to 12^th April, while in spring, a drake remained at Donna Nook (Lincs) from 12^th-28^th April.

FERRUGINOUS DUCK

The almost resident drake of unknown origin was present at Kingfisher Lake, Blashford (Hants) until 6^th March and then again from 10^th November into 2015, while a female remained at Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs) until 2^nd March. A female was then sighted at Lakenheath Fen RSPB (Suffolk) on 21^st-22^nd March. In the second winter period, a ‘new’ drake appeared at Washington WWT (Co. Durham) in October, actually joining 10 or so captive Ferruginous Ducks in their pen; it remained into 2016, while a drake bearing a metal ring resided at Dinton Pastures Country Park (Berks) from 6^th December into 2016.

LESSER SCAUP

In the first winter period, regular drakes were in Cardiff Bay at the Wetlands NR and Cosmeston Lakes (East Glamorgan) until 4^th March and Dozmary Pool, Bodmin Moor (Cornwall) until 9^th March, Llangorse Lake (Powys) until 28^th February, with a putative at Martnaham Loch (Ayrshire) from 1^st January into April. In spring, a drake visited Trimley Marshes SWT (Suffolk) on 7^th April, with a female on South Uist (Outer Hebrides) from 11^th-15^th April, while further records involved a drake at Wintersett Reservoir (South Yorks) from 4^th-17^th May (interestingly the same nasal-saddled bird that had overwintered at Llangorse Lake) and a returning drake at Blagdon Lake (Avon) from 5^th July. In addition to three regular drakes, first-year drakes appeared on Scilly and on Shetland in November, most remaining into the New Year.

In Ireland, the usual drake was on Lough Gill (Co. Kerry) until March (with an additional bird there from 12^th-24^th January) & from 22^nd October, with the female at Rahasane Turlough (Co. Galway) until at least 3^rd January and then further singles at Lough Pharisee (Co. Cavan) on 19^th February to 30^th March, Lough Gara (Co. Sligo) on 8^th March to 4^th May and at Castleplunket (Co. Roscommon) on 30^th March. Two reappeared at Lough Gill in November, remaining into 2016.

KING EIDER

The Ruddon’s Point Largo Bay (Fife) female was present until at least 7^th April, while single drakes off Yell in Bluemull Sound (Shetland) and Burghead (Moray) were seen intermittently from January to April. The regular Aberdeenshire adult drake appeared at St Combs from 28^th-31^st January, with an immature drake off Maenporth (Cornwall) from 27^th January until 17^th March. On 5^th April, the usual drake returned to the Ythan Estuary to moult/, being last reported on 20^th June, with a drake at Buness, Unst (Shetland) on 7^th-9^th June. During the second half of the year, the usual drake had returned to Nairn by early July, with a drake off Annagh Head (Co. Mayo) on 20^th September.

HARLEQUIN DUCK

A very popular first-winter drake was on the River Don in north Aberdeen from 3^rd January until 21^st May with a female at Brora (Sutherland) from 17^th February until 30^th April.

NORTH AMERICAN BLACK SCOTER

An adult drake was with Common Scoters off Rossbeigh (County Kerry) from 8th January until at least 3^rd April, while another was at Cheswick Sands (Northumberland) from 21^st January until 26^th March. The Kerry drake reappeared on 10^th October, remaining into 2016.

SURF SCOTER

No less than 18 regular wintering birds in the first winter period (including up to 9 individuals off of Old Colwyn, North Wales) with a widespread influx in the second winter period, perhaps involving up to 30 birds.

BUFFLEHEAD

A first-winter drake bearing a metal ring and of unknown origin arrived with Tufted Ducks at Priory Country Park, Bedford (Beds) on 29^th October but was never seen again. Three further birds, all bearing coloured plastic rings, were considered to be escapes from captivity.

HOODED MERGANSER

A pair, assumed to be of Nearctic origin, remained on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) from 19^th-23^rd May.

WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE

Away from Scotland where the centenary chick was fledged in July, vagrants included a wide-ranging 2^nd-winter in Essex on 13^th-15^th March, relocating to Suffolk and Norfolk from 15^th-23^rd March. It then reappeared in Norfolk Broadland from 18^th-25^th April and was last seen flying north over Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs) on 25^th April.

BLACK KITE

The escaped adult bearing a white ring survived in Suffolk until at least early September while incoming migrants in spring included singles at Eastry & Bough Beech Reservoir (Kent) on 23^rd March, Hayle (Cornwall) on 8^th April, Kingsdon (Somerset) on 10^th April, Grove (Kent) on 11^th April, Minsmere (Suffolk) on 24^th April, Exnaboe (Shetland) on 26^th April, Kingsdon (Somerset) on 10^th April, Grove (Kent) on 11^th April, Minsmere (Suffolk) on 24^th April, Exnaboe (Shetland) on 26^th April, Kingsdon (Somerset) on 10^th April, Grove (Kent) on 11^th April, Littondale (North Yorks) on 23^rd April, Minsmere (Suffolk) on 24^th April, Exnaboe (Shetland) on 26^th April, Grove Ferry (Kent) on 9^th & 17^th May, Ash near Sandwich (Kent) on 16^th May, Titchfield Haven (Hants) on 17^th May, Chelmer Park (Essex) on 25^th, Rye Harbour NR (East Sussex) on 25^th May, Hayle (Cornwall) on 28^th May and New Holkham (Norfolk) on 1^st June.

NORTHERN HARRIER

A male remained on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) from 25^th September into 2016, while a juvenile lingered at Newcastle (Co. Wicklow) from 19^th November to 5^th December..

PALLID HARRIER

Following another very successful breeding season in Scandinavia/Western Russia, at least 5 made it to Shetland from 23^rd August to 2^nd October, with further juveniles on Fair Isle on 13^th-21^st September, St David’s Head then Ramsey Island (Pembs) on 22^nd September, Worth Marshes, Sandwich (Kent) on 23^rd September, Spurn Point on 29^th September, The Burgh, Burpham (West Sussex) from 29^th September to 11^th October, Tarbat Ness (Highland) on 4^th October, Loch of Stenness (Orkney) on 9^th-11^th October, Isle of May (Fife) on 10^th & 12^th October, Holy Island (Northumberland) on 12^th October, Annagh Marsh (Co. Mayo) from 19^th-30^th October, Easington/Spurn on 25^th October, Donna Nook (Lincs) on 27^th-28^th October and at Gibraltar Point NNR from 28^th October until 7^th November. This latter juvenile male then relocated to North Norfolk, where it roosted at Warham Greens from 15^th-17^th November before taking up residence at the south end of Snettisham Pits from 17^th November to 7^th December. It then moved inland to Abbey Farm, Flitcham, surviving into January 2016.

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD

A widespread influx took place in Britain in autumn involving up to 22 juveniles, with 12 or more remaining into the New Year. One individual, at Holland Haven Country Park in Essex, regularly showed down to a few feet delighting large numbers of admirers.

RED-FOOTED FALCON

A return to form with at least 9 reported in spring between 15^th May and 24^th June, with a rather confiding first-summer male at Chatterley Colliery (Staffs) from 9^th July to 18^th August. This latter individual then relocated to Lincolnshire, before moving north to Northumberland, before being finally shot in Cambridgeshire on its return south in September, while a flourish of juveniles appeared, including singles at Girdleness (Aberdeenshire), Flamborough Head, Gibraltar Point and Breydon Water (Norfolk), as well as two at Spurn Point.

GYRFALCON

As usual, a handful of white morph Greenland Gyrs were seen briefly in NW Ireland and Highland Region in January, with one lingering in the Lough Gill area (Co. Kerry) from 19^th February to 6^th March and another seen well on Inishbofin (Co. Galway) from late February until 7^th April. Towards the end of the year, a juvenile white morph took up territory in the Balranald RSPB machair, showing very well on occasions.

LADY AMHERST’S PHEASANT

In Bedfordshire, 3 males were still surviving along the Greensand Ridge in 2015; the last female recorded was in 2001!

LITTLE CRAKE

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice but James Lees hit the jackpot again when he discovered his SECOND Little Crake at Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs) on 8^th October. Sadly this one performed for just two hours, disappearing into an overgrown ditch after being chased by Moorhens!

AMERICAN COOT

The first-winter remained on Lough Gill (Co. Kerry) from 5^th November 2014 until at least 2^nd March with that at Loch nam Feithean, Balranald RSPB, North Uist (Outer Hebrides) from 16^th November 2014 until 3^rd April.

LITTLE BUSTARD

The highlight of the year for many was the first-winter female that survived until New Year’s Day in the cereal crop at Fraisthorpe (East Yorkshire). This may have been the same bird found dead on the minor road between Blofield and Strumpshaw (Norfolk) on 22^nd January.

BLACK-WINGED STILT

Another bumper year which saw at least 3 pairs attempt to breed in Britain (only one successfully). The first to appear was a male at Abbotsbury Swannery (Dorset) from 3^rd-10^th April, followed by an influx of at least 8 birds in North Kent from 14^th April. A single bird lingered in West Sussex at Sidlesham Ferry Pool from 13^th-17^th April, while a pair visited Bowers Marsh RSPB (Essex) intermittently during 14^th April until 26^th May and a trio at the Nene Washes RSPB (Cambs) on 16^th April. While several pairs then decided to settle on the North Kent marshes, others went on a tour of the country with one pair visiting Middleton Lakes RSPB (Staffs) on 18^th April, Neumann’s Flash, Northwich (Cheshire) next day, Mickle Mere, Ixworth (Suffolk) on 13^th May, Frampton Marsh (Lincs) on 27^th-28^th May and at Potteric Carr YWT (East Yorks) on 29^th May with another lone straggler at Grainthorpe (Lincs) from 3^rd-9^th May. Elsewhere, singles were noted at Grove Ferry NR (Kent) on 11^th-12^th May and Sidlesham Ferry Pool again from 29^th May to 7^th June, with a pair at Sandwich Bay (Kent) on 30^th May and at Fingringhoe Wick NR (Essex) on 30^th June. With all four nests failing due to predation by early July, just one adult remained at Cliffe Pools (Kent) until 15^th July

COLLARED PRATINCOLE

A bird showed distantly at Lakenheath Fen (Suffolk) from 7^th-11^th June.

BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE

What was presumably last year’s bird returning visited Bothal Pond (Northumberland) from 28^th May to 1^st June then Loch of Skene (Aberdeenshire) on 3^rd June.

KENTISH PLOVER

Another very poor year with singles at Cley NWT (Norfolk) on 25^th April, Pegwell Bay (Kent) on 26^th April, Steart Point (Somerset) on 2^nd-3^rd May, unusually north in Scotland at Dornoch (Sutherland) on 7^th-10^th May and at Balcomie (Fife) on 30^th-31^st May and at Ynyslas (Ceredegion) on 5^th June. Come early autumn then a female is found at Ferrybridge (Dorset) on 3^rd August, with another there on 24^th September as well as one in Poole Harbour on Brownsea Island on 1^st September.

PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER

A winter-plumaged bird was identified at Alkborough Flats (North Lincs) on 29^th January, while an adult in partial breeding plumage graced Breydon Water (Norfolk) from 27^th-30^th June. A further adult was confirmed at Myroe Levels (Co. Derry) from 23^rd August to 6^th September.

AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER

A first-summer visited Exminster Marshes RSPB (Devon) on 23^rd-24^th May, with another on Tresco (Scilly) on 3^rd July. The autumn period then saw no fewer than 13 reach Ireland, with others being located in Cumbria, Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland and Scilly in September and in Norfolk and Leicestershire in October.

BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER

One was with Ringed Plover and Dunlin on Tinker’s Marsh, Walberswick (Suffolk) on 22^nd-23^rd May, with another much further north at Findhorn Bay (Moray) on 29^th May. What may have been the Suffolk bird then relocated to Frampton Marsh RSPB on 9^th-12^th June, before returning to Snettisham RSPB (Norfolk) from 18^th-26^th July. A further bird was reported from Banks Lane Lake, Scorton GP (North Yorks) on 26^th August.

TEREK SANDPIPER

An adult in summer plumage fed in tidal channels at Pagham Harbour (West Sussex) on 21^st-22^nd June, followed by singles at Burnham Deepdale (Norfolk) on 25^th-29^th June & 5^th-7^th July and Low Newton-by-the-Sea (Northumberland) on 4^th July.

BAIRD’S SANDPIPER

An adult spent just the day at Black Hole Marsh, Seaton (Devon) on 15^th August, with a juvenile on Tiree (Argyll) from 29^th September to 2^nd October.

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER

The first of the year arrived on Papa Westray (Orkney) on 25^th-28^th April, most likely relocating to North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 1^st-3^rd May. An adult then made it to Cley NWT (Norfolk) on 25^th-26^th May, most likely relocating to Frampton Marsh RSPB (Lincs) from 29^th May to 12^th June before returning once more to Cley from 13^th-21^st June. An adult was then at Kilnsea Wetlands NR (East Yorks) from 4th July to 7^th August, with others at Hatfield Moors (South Yorks) on 15^th July, North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 21^st-24^th July, South Gare (Cleveland) on 4^th August, Swim Coots, Hickling Broad (Norfolk) on 9^th August and a spate of fresh arrivals in autumn proper, perhaps involving at least eight individuals. The last of the year was a juvenile at Musselburgh Lagoons (Lothian) from 12^th-14^th November, until killed by a Sparrowhawk.

In Ireland, one visited County Derry in spring (Lough Beg on 28^th-29^th May), followed by singles at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 19^th-21^st July, Belfast Harbour Pools (Co. Antrim) on 27^th-29^th July

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER

The first identified of the autumn was at Inny Strand, Waterville (Co. Kerry) on 19^th August, witrh either that or another one there from 28^th September to 1^st October. Here in the UK, we mustered just one record – a long-staying but very distant bird with Dunlin on the River Severn at Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs) from 28^th September to 6^th November.

LEAST SANDPIPER

An adult frequented the Big Pool, St Agnes (Scilly) from 16^th-24^th July.

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER

A slight improvement in fortunes but not great with perhaps 16 recorded in autumn, including a well-twitched juvenile in clifftop fields at White Nothe, Ringstead Bay (Dorset) in September. Although West Cornwall managed to muster 3 records, Scilly almost blanked out yet again with just one brief appearance!

LESSER YELLOWLEGS

Wintering birds included singles at Pett Level (East Sussex) until 27^th February and at North Berwick (Lothian) from 1^st-4^th January, the former moving to neighbouring Rye Harbour LNR (East Sussex) from 2^nd-11^th March. Spring saw the arrival of two more, with singles at Wheldrake Ings (North Yorks) on 15^th April and Low Newton-by-the-Sea (Northumberland) on 11th-14^th May. During the autumn, an adult moved from Brockholes Quarry (Lancs) on 20^th August to the Conder Estuary at Glasson (Lancs) from 23^rd-26^th August, while others were found on Tiree (Argyll) on 21^st-24^th October and Breydon Water (Norfolk) from 29^th October into January 2016.

In Ireland, one was on the Rogerstown Estuary (Co. Dublin) until at least 14^th April, with another at Skibbereen (Co. Cork) on 4^th February, while in autumn, singles were at Clogheen Marsh (Co. Cork) on 30^th September to 15^th October, White’s Marsh, Clonakilty (Co. Cork) on 1^st-6^th October

GREATER YELLOWLEGS

One was discovered with wintering Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits at Titchfield Haven NNR (Hants) on 11^th January. It vanished without trace shortly afterwards but then pitched up again on the Posbrook Floods nearby on 11^th April. It reappeared at the Haven on 17^th April, where it was then more reliably seen until 9^th May, eventually inhabiting Posbrook daily until at least 29^th July. It was relocated once more, across the Solent on the isle of Wight on 23^rd September, frequenting the tidal River Medina until at least 16^th December.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER

A wintering juvenile remained in Inverallochy Bay (Aberdeenshire) from 19^th October until 19^th January 2015 while in spring, singles visited Arran (Argyll) on 19^th-21^st May and Wellington GP (Herefordshire) on 25^th May. An adult in full breeding plumage loitered with intent at Coate Water, Swindon (Wilts) from 16^th-27^th August, with further records coming from the River Teign (Devon) on 17^th August and Bryher (Scilly) on 21^st September. Later in autumn, further birds were recorded on Tresco Great Pool (Scilly) on 21^st October, Chard Junction GP (Somerset) from 25^th October until at least 25^th November and at Pilmore Strand, Youghal (Co. Cork) from 22^nd November into January 2016.

HUDSONIAN GODWIT

An adult in breeding plumage graced the drained basin at Meare Heath (Somerset) on 24^th-25^th April and again from 29^th April to 3^rd May constituting one of the largest twitches of the year. With the last in Britain being well over 20 years ago, this handsome wader was particularly well received. A totally different individual – a male – was then discovered in Ireland, visiting Inishdawros, Ballyconneelly (Co. Galway) briefly on 22^nd July. Fortunately for Irish twitchers, this same bird was relocated much later in the autumn on the Aran Islands at Kilmurry, performing daily from 15^th-19^th September.

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER

In Ireland, records came from The Cull (Co. Wexford) on 12^th & 28^th June and Tacumshin Lake (Co. Wexford) on 14^th June, then from Tacumshin/Rosslare (Co. Wexford) on 22^nd-26^th September, The Gearagh (Co. Cork) on 29^th September and on the Rogerstown Estuary (Co. Dublin) on 8^th-10^th November. The last of the year was at Killorglin (Co. Kerry) on 11^th November.

In Britain, a very confiding juvenile reached Yell (Shetland) from 8^th-13^th September, with further transatlantic arrivals at Skokholm (Pembs) on 20^th-24^th September and at Pennington/Keyhaven Marshes (Hants) from 23^rd September into 2016. A further first-winter was discovered at Cresswell Pond (Northumberland) on 9^th November, this bird also remaining into 2016.

HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL

One remained in Pagham Harbour off Church Norton from 9^th June until 27^th July, while in autumn, one remained on Tresco (Scilly) from 15^th-18^th October before relocating to Cornwall, where it remained from 30^th October into January 2016.

WILSON’S PHALAROPE

A juvenile made landfall on Par Beach (Cornwall) on 16^th August followed by a first-winter at Pannel Valley NR, Pett (East Sussex) on 19^th September that relocated to Vange Marsh RSPB (Essex) from 20^th September to 3^rd October.

BONAPARTE’S GULL

Two regular adults appeared in January at Dawlish Warren NNR (Devon) and at Lochgilphead in Argyll, with that in Cardiff Bay showing up regularly during February and March. The Devon bird was last reported on 22^nd March, while the Argyll bird stayed until 27^th March, while in Cardiff Bay, two adults lingered from 24^th March to 9^th April.

Elsewhere, a first-winter visited Ferrybridge (Dorset) on 7^th March (relocating to Radipole Lake RSPB, Weymouth, from 26^th March to 7^th April, Milford-on-Sea, Hants, on 15^th April then in Riverside Park, Southampton, from 3^rd-24^th May), an adult was at Ballycotton (Co. Cork) on 1^st-8^th April, one was at Tramore Back Strand (Co. Waterford) from 15^th March to 7th April, at Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham (Devon) on 9^th-10^th May, Llanrhidian Marsh (Gower) on 12^th May, Dungeness (Kent) on 16^th May, Kingsmill Lake (Cornwall) on 26^th May, on Unst on 11^th June and on St Kilda (Outer Hebrides) on 12^th & 21^st June. The regular reappearing 3^rd-summer was once more at Oare Marshes NR (Kent) from 20^th June until 23^rd August, as was the Teignmouth (Devon) adult from 23^rd August, while a ‘new’ bird was at Lossiemouth (Moray & Nairn) from 4^th-16^th October. November saw an adult visit the Farne Islands (Northumberland) on 23^rd & 29^th November.

NORTH AMERICAN HERRING GULL

A first-winter was identified in Black Ball Harbour (Co. Cork) on 15^th March remaining until at least 19^th April while in West Cornwall, a 3^rd-calendar year bird returned to Drift Reservoir and fields around Jericho Farm, St Just, from 16^th March to at least 3^rd May. This latter bird reappeared on 17^th October, remaining in the area into January 2016.

SLATY-BACKED GULL

An adult visited the River Corrib, Waterside, in Galway City (Co. Galway) on 17^th-18^th January, constituting the second record for Ireland.

ROSS’S GULL

One was reported from Brora (Sutherland) on 12^th September.

THAYER’S GULL

A juvenile was photographed at Rufforth Airfield (South Yorks) on 2^nd-3^rd March

IVORY GULL

The very confiding juvenile at Uig Pier (Skye) remained present until 4^th January

LAUGHING GULL

The 2^nd-winter survived at Ballycotton Pier and surroundings (Co. Cork) until at least 30^th April, while a first-winter afforded excellent views at New Brighton (Cheshire & Wirral) from 3^rd February until 9^th April, crossing the Mersey to Seaforth NR (North Merseyside) on 5^th-17^th April. Later in the year, an adult summer visited Kilnsea Wetlands NR (East Yorks) on 13^th-14^th June and Salthouse Duckpond (Norfolk) on 14^th June, last being seen flying west at Cley & Blakeney Point. Much later in autumn, one was identified on St Martin’s (Scilly) on 17^th-18^th November.

FRANKLIN’S GULL

What may have been the same bird was seen at Rusheen Bay (Co. Galway) on 13^th June and Lough Beg (Co. Derry) from 22^nd June to 4^th July

GULL-BILLED TERN

An adult was seen eating earthworms in a recently ploughed field south of the A30 at Four Burrows (Cornwall) on 14^th April, this individual relocating to Walmsley Sanctuary (Cornwall) on 19^th April and then Bowling Green Marsh (Devon) on 23^rd May. Another was then seen on the Swords Estuary (Co. Dublin) on 6^th May, with a further at Bothal Pond (Northumberland) on 29^th-30^th May, Neatholme Fen, Lound GP (Notts) on 11^th June, Old Moor Wetlands RSPB (West Yorks) on 16^th June and Birsay (Orkney) on 20^th-22^nd June. One or other then reappeared at Hayle (Cornwall) on 1^st July, Ynys-hir RSPB (Ceredigion) on 2^nd July, Burton Mere Wetlands (Cheshire) on 3^rd July before settling on the Teign Estuary at Kingsteignton (Devon) from 12^th-17^th July, with further reports from Cley NWT (Norfolk) on 12^th July and Chapel St Leonards (Lincs) on 16^th July. At the end of the year, one began the longest-ever stay in Ireland, surviving at Blennerville Marsh (Co. Kerry) from 17^th October until 29^th November.

CASPIAN TERN

Another very lean year for this Scandinavian vagrant with one seen briefly at Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs) on 30^th May and one resting for an hour at Holland Haven scrape (Essex) on 1^st August.

FORSTER’S TERN

The usual returning wintering adult was in County Galway at Nimmo’s Pier and environs erratically during January to April and was last reported at Fiddaun Island on 5^th June. What was presumably the same wide-ranging adult was then seen at Soldier’s Point (Co. Louth) on 22^nd-26^th August and the Rogerstown Estuary (Co. Dublin) on 6^th-27^th September, before returning once more to Nimmo’s Pier, Mutton Island Causeway and Doorus from 24^th October, also visiting New Quay (Co. Clare) on 29^th November & 6^th December.

WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN

An adult in breeding plumage spent the day at Gypsy Lane East, Broom GP (Beds) on 24^th April followed by a marked arrival of birds in May including 2 at Dungeness RSPB Burrowes Pit (Kent) on 14^th-15^th and singles at Martin Mere WWT (Lancs) on 24^th, Lunt Meadows (Lancs) on 25^th, Paxton Pits NR (Cambs) on 26^th, Pugney’s CP (West Yorks) on 28^th and at Swineham GP (Dorset) on 2^nd-4^th June. Midsummer saw another spate of occurrences with singles at Blithfield Reservoir (Staffs) on 15^th June, past Whitburn (Tyne & Wear) on 28^th June, Saltholme Pools RSPB (Cleveland) on 29^th June, Middleton Lakes RSPB (Staffs) on 3^rd July, Leighton Moss RSPB (Lancs) on 4^th-5^th July, Frampton Marsh on 5^th-7^th July, Dungeness (Kent) on 18^th July, Stanwick GP (Northants) on 19^th July, Rutland Water (Leics) on 19^th July, Westport Lake (Staffs) on 8^th August and Kilnsea Wetlands NR on 9^th August.

The first juvenile appeared at Dungeness (Kent) on 17^th August, with another at Hornsea Mere (East Yorks) from 24^th-27^th; another then arrived at the ARC Pit at Dungeness on 27^th, increasing to 2 from 30^th until 6^th September. Further birds were then discovered at Abberton Reservoir (Essex) on 30^th August, Willington GP (Derbyshire) on 31^st August and Cliffe Pools (Kent) on 31^st August with another at Ormesby/Filby Broad (Norfolk) on 5^th-13^th September before the last two of the year appeared at Heysham Outfalls (Lancs) from 26^th September to 1^st October and at Cantley Beet lagoons (Norfolk) on 7^th-8^th October.

WHISKERED TERN

One flew west at Dungeness Beach (Kent) on 6^th August.

BRUNNICH’S GUILLEMOT

Tom Lowe inadvertently photographed one off South Gare (Cleveland) on 8^th December but despite spending the next four hours searching, the bird never resurfaced after being attacked by a Great Black-backed Gull.

RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE

A first-winter meena was present in a Scalloway garden (Shetland) from 25^th November to 17^th December.

NORTH AMERICAN MOURNING DOVE

A very confiding first-winter inhabited a Lerwick garden at 3 Murrayston from Boxing Day until 14^th January 2016 constituting the first record for Shetland.

GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO

The only record of the year involved a first-summer at Cwm Cadlan (East Glamorgan) from 15^th-17^th April.

EURASIAN EAGLE OWL

Despite constant persecution, the small breeding population in the UK remained constant at about 10-12 pairs.

SNOWY OWL

The County Donegal Kincasslagh bird was seen regularly until 5^th January, with others in Ireland at Gleninagh Mountain (Co. Clare) on 6^th-20^th April, Tarmon Hill (Co. Mayo) on 26^th April, Cuilcagh Mountain (Co. Fermanagh) on 7^th May and at Ballinarobe (Co. Mayo) on 12^th June. A male summered as usual on Arranmore Island (Co. Donegal)

EURASIAN SCOPS OWL

One arrived on Great Saltee Island (Co. Wexford) on 11^th April with another found dead on St Kilda (Outer Hebrides) on 1^st May.

PALLID SWIFT

A handful of sightings in late October, including singles at Flamborough Head, Newbiggin (Northumberland), Marsden Quarry and Whitburn Steel (Tyne & Wear) on 31^st October, Boulby Cliffs (Cleveland) on 1^st November, Glynneath (Gower) on 5^th-6^th November, Chapel St Leonards (Lincs) on 6^th November, Sizewell (Suffolk) on 7^th November and Margate (Kent) on 9^th November.

ALPINE SWIFT

During a spell of cold, wet, inclement weather, one remained around the Virgin Atlantic headquarters on the Manor Way Trading Estate in Crawley (West Sussex) from 28^th-30^th March, roosting for much of the time on the wall of the tall building. In spring proper, at least 6 others were seen, with singles at Flamborough Head (East Yorks) on 11^th April, Verwood (Dorset) on 12^th April, Rutland Water (Leics) on 14^th April, Meols (Cheshire) on 22^nd April, Spurn Point on 7^th May, Ilkley (West Yorks) on 8^th May then at Pugney’s CP & Calder Park (West Yorks) on 9^th May, The Mullet (Co. Mayo) on 12^th May, Lyme Regis (Dorset) on 14^th May, Loddiswell (Devon) on 16^th May and another at Spurn on 7^th June. Early autumn saw another spate of sightings with singles over Garnock Floods (Ayrshire) on 24^th June, Beachy Head (East Sussex) on 1^st July and Spurn Point on 8^th July, as well as one photographed over Horsey Dunes (Norfolk) on 5^th August. Much later in the autumn, one lingered at Little Orme (Caernarfonshire) on 5^th-6^th October, with others at Land’s End, St Levan and Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 10^th-11^th October and from a boat 8km south of Plymouth (Devon) on 10^th October.

CHIMNEY SWIFT

One was seen briefly at Mizen Head (Co. Cork) on 26^th October.

LITTLE SWIFT

The only record of the year concerned a bird seen on New Years Eve flying back & forth over the beach between Thorntonloch and Torness Power Station (Lothian).

EURASIAN HOOPOE

An influx took place in early April, involving at least 33 birds, including 4 at Mizen Head (Co. Cork) on 9^th, 4 on St Mary’s (Scilly) and 2 on Skomer Island (Pembs), at Kilmurrin (Co. Waterford) and Carnsore Point (Co. Wexford). More and more then continued arriving, with perhaps as many as 65 in Ireland by 25^th April. None were reported breeding this year, with only a light autumn passage and just one made it through December surviving into the New Year at Kingswinford (Staffs).

EUROPEAN BEE-EATER

After the first, in Cleveland on 11^th April, a widespread influx took place across Britain throughout the spring, culminating in a group of 5 that toured various South Coast localities in April and groups of up to 12 that went from Scilly east along the south and east coasts north to Yorkshire throughout May and July. A flock of 10 that roosted nightly at Theberton Grange near Leiston (Suffolk) in June were particularly popular as were the two breeding pairs in a Cumbrian quarry at Lower Gelt, once news was released and an observation watchpoint put in place.

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER

The first for Britain and only the second for the Western Palearctic made landfall at Dungeness Point (Kent) on 22^nd September, presumably having disembarked from a passing vessel. Its arrival had been associated with a succession of tropical hurricanes leaving the eastern seaboard of North America with just shy of 600 observers connecting before it made a dash for freedom in the half hour of decent weather as darkness approached.

EURASIAN CRAG MARTIN

For the second year running, the UK was blessed with a twitchable sighting of this alpine dweller from Central Europe. Although a bird was seen briefly in spring at East Dene, Bonchurch (Isle of Wight) at 1415 on 7^th April, attention went to a late autumn first-winter that lingered in the vicinity of a crooked church spire in Chesterfield Town Centre (Derbyshire) from 8^th-19^th November. This bird even made it onto Jeremy Vine’s lunchtime chat show on Radio 2, as well as adorning the pages of several national newspapers!

GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK

A particularly poor year with none noted in spring. One arrived on St Mary’s Airfield (Scilly) on 27^th September, lingering until at least 27^th October

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW

A fairly widespread influx in spring involved at least 24 individuals following the first at Mizen Head (Co.Cork) on 9^th April, while midsummer saw the appearance of singles at Burnham Overy Staithe (Norfolk) on 17^th June and in Lerwick (Shetland) on 2nd-14^th July. In autumn, singles were noted at Dungeness (Kent) on 30^th August, Porthcurno (Cornwall) on 27^th September and then ridiculously late in North Norfolk at Cley on 17^th December, moving west to Blakeney, Morston, Wells-next-the-Sea, Holkham Park and eventually Brancaster. The sight of a Red-rumped Swallow flying around a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve was pretty unique and somewhat bizarre!

TAWNY PIPIT

Singles were noted on Fair Isle (Shetland) on 4^th-19^th May and Portland Bill (Dorset) on 9^th-10^th May in spring, with an odd midsummer record at Seaford Head (East Sussex) on 21^st June, while the only occurrence in autumn was at Gunner Point, Hayling Island (Hants) on 5^th September.

BLYTH’S PIPIT

The hugely popular overwintering Pugney’s CP (West Yorks) individual remained until 6^th January, while in autumn, singles were identified at Stiffkey Saltmarsh (Norfolk) on 2^nd October, on St Mary’s (Scilly) from 13^th-25^th October, Nanjizal (Cornwall) on 31^st October and in flight over Spurn Point on 5^th November.

OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT

Unusually, one appeared on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 5^th June. It was a relatively productive autumn, with singles on Fair Isle on 28^th September & 5^th October, in Lerwick (Shetland) from 2^nd-5^th October, at Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 3^rd October, Gibraltar Point (Lincs) on 4^th October, Scatness (Shetland) on 5^th October and a further 26 between 6^th October and 5^th November, including 7 on Shetland, 5 on Fair Isle, 3 in Yorkshire & Norfolk and others in Cleveland, Cornwall, Dorset, County Durham, Fife, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and Scilly. A very late bird was then seen at Sandy Point, Hayling Island (Hants) on 12^th November.

RED-THROATED PIPIT

A flyover at Hengistbury Head (Dorset) on 24^th April was followed by two very popular summer-plumaged males in May, with singles at Ludworth Moor, on the Derbyshire/Greater Manchester border, on 3^rd-4^th May and at Seaton Common (Cleveland) on 10^th-12^th May. A better autumn than usual with singles on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) on 30^th September, Pilning Wetlands, Northwick Warth (Gloucs) on 3^rd-4^th October, St Mary’s Airfield (Scilly) on 4^th-5^th October, Isle of May (Fife) on 6^th October, Carrahane Strand (Co. Kerry) on 8^th-9^th October, St Abb’s Head (Borders) on 11^th October, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 13^th-17^th October and Tresco (Scilly) on 18^th October.

PECHORA PIPIT

A long-staying bird remained in the Loch of Norby area at Melby (Shetland) from 22^nd September until 13^th October with one trapped & ringed at Porthellick Pool, St Mary’s, on 24^th September, while in October, singles reached Foula (Shetland) on 10^th October and North Ronaldsay on 13^th October.

CITRINE WAGTAIL

At least 9 appeared at the end of September including a very confiding first-winter at Spurn Point Canal Zone from 3^rd-5^th October.

BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER

Singles were on the Kirk Beck, Harpham (North Yorks) from 10^th February to 25^th March and on Unst (Shetland) from 24^th February to 4^th March in the first winter period, with possibly another at Voe (Shetland) on 2^nd-13^th March.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING

Very small numbers were recorded in Britain in the first winter period with even less in the second – the second successive year of such paucity.

CEDAR WAXWING

A spate of sightings following a constant succession of deep Atlantic lows, with singles at Kilkee (Co. Clare) on 3^rd-4^th June, Tiree (Argyll) on 10^th June, Hugh Town, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 19^th June and found dead in Treginnis (Pembs) on 27^th June.

THRUSH NIGHTINGALE

Three were recorded in 2015 with singles on Brownsman Island, Farnes (Northumberland) on 15^th-16^th August, Fair Isle on 19^th August and trapped & ringed on Thorne Moor (East Yorks) on 24^th August.

SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT

A first-winter reached Fair Isle on 20^th October.

RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL

In line with recent years, another bumper crop of occurrencies with some 19 individuals recorded including singles on Whalsay (Shetland) on 22^nd September, Westray (Orkney) on 5^th October, Fair Isle on 7^th October, Denmark House, Weybourne (Norfolk) on 11^th October, Covean, St Agnes (Scilly) from 11^th-20^th October, Fair Isle on 11^th October, Kilnsea (East Yorks) on 12^th-13^th October, Holkham Meals (Norfolk) on 12^th-19^th October, Sandside Bay, Deerness (Orkney) on 12^th October, Flamborough Head on 12^th-16^th October, Kergord Plantation (Shetland) on 16^th-17^th October, Wells Woods (Norfolk) on 16^th-20^th October, Low Newton-by-the-Sea (Northumberland) on 16^th October, Kings Loke, Hemsby (Norfolk) on 18^th October, Sandwich bay (Kent) on 20^th October to 7^th November, Gibraltar Point (Lincs) on 20^th October, Mizen Head (Co. Cork) on 20^th October and Bardsey island (Pembs) on 25^th October.

EASTERN BLACK REDSTART

The first-winter male remained on Scilly at Shark’s Pit, Porthmellon, St Mary’s, until at least 12^th January.

ISABELLINE WHEATEAR

One was seen late afternoon on St Mary’s Airfield (Scilly) on 8^th October.

DESERT WHEATEAR

A male lingered on Port Askin, St Agnes (Scilly), from 21^st-26^th March – only the second to have ever been recorded on the archipelago in spring. Just one occurred in autumn – a first-winter male at Eskmeals (Cumbria) from 16^th-19^th November. A very poor year by recent standards.

EASTERN BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR

A superb male delighted a succession of admirers as it performed admirably at Acres Down (Hampshire) throughout the day on 13^th June.

PIED WHEATEAR

Four recorded this autumn with a first-winter male at Spurn Point on 3^rd October, a first-winter male at Skaw, Unst (Shetland) on 14^th October, a male at Botallack (Cornwall) on 21^st October and a cracking adult male at Landguard NR (Suffolk) on 2^nd-3^rd November.

SIBERIAN STONECHAT

Just five recorded this year with first-winters at Orfordness (Suffolk) on 10^th October, Quendale (Shetland) on 12^th-14^th October, Flamborough Head on 14^th-20^th October and Hook-with-Warsash (Hants) on 24^th October, with an adult male in Caister Dunes (Norfolk) on 21^st-25^th October.

SWAINSON’S THRUSH

One remained on Skokholm (Pembs) from 2^nd-10^th June, with another on Fetlar (Shetland) on 16^th Jun, with two more in autumn recorded, at Sanday (Orkney) on 28^th September and on Unst (Shetland) on 4^th October..

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH

Exceptionally, one was identified on The Mullet (Co. Mayo) on 25^th May. A succession of autumn storms associated with a highly active El Nino jetstream resulted in a wave of records later in the year with singles at Covean, St Agnes (Scilly) on 23^rd-24^th September, Ollaberry (Shetland) on 28^th September

VEERY

One remained on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) from 30^th May until 9^th June.

WHITE’S THRUSH

Singles typically recorded in Shetland at Baltasound, Unst, on 20^th October and at Gulberwick on 23^rd-24^th October.

SIBERIAN THRUSH

A first-winter male was seen briefly on Fair Isle on 5^th October.

EYEBROWED THRUSH

One made landfall on Whalsay at Symbister on 20^th June.

SARDINIAN WARBLER

A singing male remained at Land’s End (Cornwall) from 14^th-26^th May.

WESTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER

The first to appear was a male at Brownstown Head (Co. Wexford) from 11^th-17^th April, followed by further birds at Kynance Cove, Lizard (Cornwall), on 13^th-16^th April (two males), Kenidjack Valley (Cornwall) on 25^th April, Bardsey Island (Gwynedd) on 9^th May, South Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 14^th May, Portland Bill (Dorset) on 23^rd May, Unst (Shetland) from 25^th-28^th May, Balranald RSPB, North Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 4^th June, North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 20^th-21^st June and on Fair Isle from 30^th June to 3^rd July. Several more were discovered in autumn, with singles on St Mary’s (Scilly) on 23^rd August & 26^th September, Europie, Lewis (Outer Hebrides) on 4^th-5^th September and at Kelling Water Meadows (Norfolk) on 8^th September.

MOLTONI’S SUBALPINE WARBLER

A pair was present on Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 11^th May: a rather confiding male in the Plantation and a far more skulking female in neighbouring tamarisks. Both represented the first records for Norfolk and had arrived on a rather unique weather system that also spawned a Citril Finch in the same county at the same time. Literally just a few days later, a male was trapped & ringed on Fair Isle on 15^th, remaining on the archipelago until 26^th May and spawning the most expensive twitch ever in the UK at £1,752!

EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER

A male was at Nanjizal (Cornwall) on 19^th-20^th April before relocating to Land’s End on 22^nd, while in autumn, single males were at Old fall, Flamborough Head from 18^th September to 1^st October and at Mossbank (Shetland) from 25^th September until 13^th October.

AQUATIC WARBLER

One was trapped & ringed on Orfordness (Suffolk) on 9^th August, with further records from Wheldrake Ings (West Yorks) on 12^th August and Fair Isle on 15^th-16^th August.

LANCEOLATED WARBLER

Singles noted in Shetland at Dale of Walls on 26^th September, Fair Isle on 27^th September & 12^th October and on the Out Skerries on 5^th October.

PALLAS’S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER

A skulking first-winter remained at Isbister (Shetland) on 11^th-12^th September, with another on Fair Isle on 19^th October..

SAVI’S WARBLER

A reeling male was present in Northeast Kent for three weeks in May.

BLYTH’S REED WARBLER

One was trapped & ringed on Fair Isle on 8^th June, while further migrants included a skulking bird on Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 13^th-14^th June and a singing male at Inverurie (Aberdeenshire) from 18^th-27^th June. These were then followed by an influx in autumn involving at least 7 birds in Shetland and others in County Cork, Cornwall, County Durham, Fair Isle, Orkney, Norfolk and East Yorkshire.

PADDYFIELD WARBLER

One was on Blakeney Point (Norfolk) from 11^th-14^th June, while another made an exceptionally long stay on Noss (Shetland) from 22^nd July to 16^th August. In autumn, singles were identified at Collieston Churchyard (Aberdeenshire) on 28^th-29^th August, St Agnes (Scilly) on 7^th September and on Fair Isle on 8^th October.

GREAT REED WARBLER

A singing male bellowed out from Phragmites at Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley RSPB, on 17^th-18^th May, with another identified at Baltasound, Unst (Shetland), from 3rd-22^nd June.

THICK-BILLED WARBLER

The 7^th for Britain was in Quendale Burn (Shetland) on 24^th September.

EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER

One remained on Whalsay (Shetland) from 12^th-16^th September.

MELODIOUS WARBLER

In spring, singles noted at Portland Bill (Dorset) on 15^th May & 16^th June, Skokholm (Pembs) on 15^th May, Peninnis Head, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 20^th May, Ponsongath (Cornwall) on 27^th May and Sennybridge (Pembs) on 21^st June, with a singing male near Hampton-in-Arden (West Midlands) from 11^th June until 11^th July. Not many more were recorded in autumn, with an odd midsummer record on Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 31^st July and eight more in September and October and 3 late birds in October.

BOOTED WARBLER

Singles were noted in early autumn on Fair Isle on 19^th-22^nd August, North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 21^st-22^nd August, Gramborough Hill, Salthouse (Norfolk) on 22^nd-23^rd August and at Sumburgh Head (Shetland) on 22^nd August and 9^th-14^th September.

WESTERN BONELLI’S WARBLER

A singing male was present along the Weaver’s Way at Hickling Broad (Norfolk) briefly on 26^th May and this was followed by an exceptional run of autumn occurrencies, perhaps involving ten birds: Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 17^th August, St Agnes (Scilly) on 21^st August, Bass Point, Lizard (Cornwall) on 22^nd August, Portland Bill (Dorset) on 22^nd & 26^th August, Longstone, St mary’s (Scilly) on 24^th-27^th August & 19^th September, Salcombe (Devon) on 27^th August, Billinge (Lancs) on 31^st August, Galley Head (Co. Cork) on 8^th & 17^th September, Sumburgh Head (Shetland) on 14^th-18^th September and on Unst from 15^th-18^th September.

DUSKY WARBLER

A wintering bird was at Ivy Lake, Chichester GP (West Sussex) from 5th-19^th January, whilst another was photographed at Marton Mere, Blackpool (Lancs) on 16^th January. At the other end of the year in autumn, some 20 or so appeared in autumn following the first at Grutness (Shetland) on 5^th October. The last to appear were at Dungeness (Kent) on 16^th-20^th November, Atherington Pools, Climping (West Sussex) on 9^th-10^th December, Holkham (Norfolk) on Christmas Day and at Ham Wall RSPB (Somerset) from 26^th December into 2016.

RADDE’S WARBLER

Up to 9 appeared in October, with singles at Inishbofin on 6^th, Holy Island (Northumberland) on 8^th, Holkham Pines (Norfolk) on 11^th-12^th, Great Yarmouth Cemetery (Norfolk) on 12^th-13^th,Kilnsea on 12^th and Fair Isle on 14^th.

ARCTIC WARBLER

An excellent autumn with singles noted at Sands of Forvie NNR (Aberdeenshire) on 19^th-20^th August, Dale of Walls (Shetland) on 25^th August, Scousburgh (Shetland) on 28^th August, on Fair Isle from 8^th-11^th September, Skateraw Harbour (Lothian) on 11^th-15^th September, Inishbofin (Co. Galway) on 13th-14^th September, Uyeasound, Unst (Shetland) on 23^rd-27^th September, Kilnsea (East Yorks) on 27^th-29^th September, Weisdale Voe, Kergord (Shetland) on 30^th September to 4^th October, Kew Villa, Kilnsea on 4^th October, Inishmore (Co. Galway) on 11^th October, Garrison Pines, St Mary’s (Scilly) on 11^th-12^th October, Erris Head (Co. Mayo) on 22^nd-28^th October and a very late bird at Marsden Quarry (Tyne & Wear) on 2^nd-7^th November.

GREENISH WARBLER

For the second spring in succession, an excellent spring with no less than ten found during 2^nd-4^th June, with singles on Out Skerries (Shetland) on 2^nd & 6^th, Unst on 2^nd, Sanday (Orkney) on 3^rd, 1-2 on Fair Isle on 3^rd-5^th, St Martin’s (Scilly) on 4^th-11^th, Swining (Shetland) on 5^th, Sandwick (Shetland) on 5^th-6^th and on Whalsay (Shetland) on 8^th. Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 11^th and Skomer (Pembs) on 12^th. A late bird was on Skokholm (Pembs) on 23^rd July. An influx of at least 13 individuals occurred in August, including 2 in County Durham, East Yorkshire, Aberdeenshire, Northumberland & Orkney and singles on Fair Isle, in Fife and in Shetland.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER

A hugely successful breeding season led to a phenomenal autumn influx involving over 2,000 birds between mid September and mid October, with Shetland daily counts exceeding 130 during 22^nd-30^th.

PALLAS’S LEAF WARBLER

A relatively poor autumn with less than 35 recorded, although a dozen or so reached North Norfolk.

HUME’S LEAF WARBLER

Singles were noted at Wells Woods (Norfolk) on 15^th-20^th October, Kingsdown Leas (Kent) on 18^th October, Flamborough Head on 27^th-28^th October and Durlston Head (Dorset) on 31^st October.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER

A rather lean autumn with very few recorded outside of Shetland – a mere 15 individuals shared between the east and south coasts!

COLLARED FLYCATCHER

A superb adult male was at Sumburgh (Shetland) on 21^st September.

PENDULINE TIT

The party of 3 remained at Darts Farm & Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham (Devon) until early March, with just 2 surviving there until 4^th April. They then migrated back east, pausing briefly at Black Hole Marsh, Seaton (South Devon) next day. In the second winter period, 1-2 were at Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) from 18^th-29^th October, 2 remained at G & M Growers Pit, Broom (Beds) from 31^st October to 2^nd November, with singles at Southwold (Suffolk) on 3^rd November and St Olaves (Norfolk) on 8^th November. Two were then seen in Lytchett Bay (Dorset) on 22^nd November, relocating to Longham Lakes, Bournemouth (Dorset) from 22^nd-24^th, with an additional party of 3 at Titchfield Haven (Hants) from 7^th December into January 2016.

SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER

One was recorded at Dungeness (Kent) on 10^th October, with another at Beachy Head (East Sussex) on 27^th October.

ASIATIC BROWN SHRIKE

A first-winter visited Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 20^th October before relocating to Ouessant in France next day.

DAURIAN ISABELLINE SHRIKE

An adult male visited St Martin’s (Scilly) on the highly unusual date of 2^nd July while in autumn, first-winters were identified at Beeston Common (Norfolk) on 11^th-19^th October, Holkham Meals (Norfolk) on 14^th-19^th October, Mundesley (Norfolk) on 15^th October and at South Huish Marshes (Devon) on 14^th-19^th October.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE

The first of the spring made landfall at Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 31^st March, with 3 more in Cornwall in April & May and 3 further birds in Pembrokeshire and others in Devon, Cork and Wexford. The only records in autumn involved single juveniles on St Mary’s (Scilly) on 19^th August, Blakehill Farm (Wilts) on 28^th-29^th August, The Lizard (Cornwall) on 30^th August and Nosterfield (North Yorks) on 13^th-19^th September.

BALEARIC WOODCHAT SHRIKE

A male of the form badius was at Wykeham Forest (North Yorks) on 13^th May.

LESSER GREY SHRIKE

Just two records this year – at Lunna Ness (Shetland) on 25^th August and at Cromer (Norfolk) on 28^th August.

ROSE-COLOURED STARLING

One was discovered wintering in Prudhoe village (Northumberland) on 11^th January, remaining in gardens there until at least 9^th February. It may have been the bird found dead in Ryton (County Durham) on 3^rd May. In spring, one appeared on South Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 19^th-21^st May, followed by further singles on Lundy Island (Devon) on 14^th June, Fowlsheugh (Aberdeenshire) on 16^th June, at various sites on Lewis & Harris (Outer Hebrides) on 19^th June to 29^th July, Hoy (Orkney) on 24^th June and on Fair Isle on 2^nd July. Midsummer birds included singles at Aberavon (Gwent) from 31^st July to 5^th August and on Fair Isle from 1^st-4^th August, while a further 15 or so juveniles occurred in autumn. The last of the year was at Tewkesbury (Gloucs) from 22^nd October to 11^th November, while the only wintering individual was on the Lizard (Cornwall), surviving until at least 28^th January 2016.

CITRIL FINCH

One of the rarest finds of the year was that of a male in Burnham Overy Dunes just west of Holkham Pines on 10^th-11^th May. Just shy of a thousand observers connected on the Sunday but disappearing west shortly after dawn the following day left almost as many disappointed!

TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL

A single male was in song at Yew Tree Brake, Cinderford, in the Forest of Dean (Gloucs) on 15^th February and was seen again on 21^st & 25^th March. On 15^th October, Dave Suddaby discovered a male at Termon in County Mayo.

RED-EYED VIREO

One remained on St Agnes from 25^th September to 2^nd October.

BLACKPOLL WARBLER

One was seen in St Warna’s Cove on St Agnes on 23^rd September.

WILSON’S WARBLER

Another contender for bird of the year – a strikingly beautiful male at Port Nis, Lewis (Outer Hebrides) from 13^th-17^th October.

DARK-EYED JUNCO

A first-summer male afforded views down to a few feet in a Toab garden (Shetland) on 11^th May, with another on Dursey Island (Co. Cork) on 9^th June.

LITTLE BUNTING

An overwintering bird was present at Forest Farm Country Park (East Glamorgan) from 5^th February until 7^th May, with further singles at Gulval, near Penzance (Cornwall) from 12^th February to 22^nd April and in Ashdown Forest (West Sussex) on 10^th-27^th February. Migrants in spring included singles at Flamborough Head on 15^th & 27^th April, while in autumn, above average numbers occurred, with perhaps 65 in total.

RUSTIC BUNTING

A male was on Fair Isle on 19^th May, with further singles on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 20^th-25^th May, Baltasound, Unst, on 27^th-29^th May, Sanday (Orkney) on 29^th May and at Sumburgh Head (Shetland) on 21^st June. At the opposite end of the year, singles appeared on Shetland on Foula on 20^th-23^rd September, Bressay on 24^th September and on Unst on 5^th October, with singles elsewhere on Lundy Island on 27^th September, Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork) on 5^th October, Sandside Bay (Orkney) on 10^th October, Gibraltar Point on 11^th October and Yell (Shetland) on 13^th October.

ORTOLAN BUNTING

Another poor year with few recorded in spring and just a dozen or so in autumn. The writing’s clearly on the wall regards the survival of this species.

CRETZSCHMAR’S BUNTING

Perhaps contender for ‘bird of the year’ was this superb male that spent 11 days on Bardsey Island (Gwynedd) from 10^th-20^th June.

CHESTNUT BUNTING

A first-winter afforded views down to a few feet on Papa Westray (Orkney) on 19^th-29^th October.

BLACK-HEADED BUNTING

As usual, a male reached Wales in spring, visiting Skomer Island (Pembs) on 7^th June and Saundersfoot (Pembs) on 10^th, while in early autumn, Kester Wilson reported one in Nanjizal Valley (Cornwall) on 8^th August and another immature was seen at Dale of Walls (Shetland) on 24^th August.RARE BIRDS & SCARCE MIGRANTS IN BRITAIN & IRELAND IN 2015: A Review of the Year