London Serins

First-winter European Serin, Rainham Marsh RSPB, London, 22 October 2008 (Richard Bonser)

The three EUROPEAN SERINS (discovered mid-morning by Howard Vaughan) were showing very well at Rainham Marsh RSPB (Essex/London) throughout the day, feeding on the weedy embankment just north of the promontory of land opposite the landfill site. They kept very much together (apart from a brief period when all three were flushed by a Land Rover), often feeding on the same teasel, and involved two streaky juveniles and a much brighter, yellower bird (especially about the head and breast) which was assumed to be an adult.

DIRECTIONS

Park at the RSPB Information Centre and continue west along the tarmac inner sea wall (cycle track) for 1.2 kms where you walk adjacent to the landfill site. The track veers around to the right and passes an obvious promontory of land. Walk out to the tip and carefully scan the weed-covered slope below you. The Serins are largely independent of other finches, but closeby are up to 35 Goldfinches, a few Greenfinches and 25 Linnets. Up to 12 COMMON STONECHATS were also in the vicinity, 3 SISKINS flew west, whilst a single PEREGRINE was roosting on the pylons.

A RICHARD'S PIPIT was seen by several observers close to the Information Centre during the morning but flew off strongly west at 0935, and a DARTFORD WARBLER disappeared into scrub opposite the landfill site at around the same time.

A single SCANDINAVIAN ROCK PIPIT flew over the seawall heading towards the Stone Barges.

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER in SOMERSET - more detailed access instructions

A quick note on the directions for the Baird's Sand in Somerset. It can indeed be viewed by walking along the south side of the Brue estuary, but the waders usually roost on that side, so viewing can be difficult and the risk of flushing the birds is greater. Easier access is by parking at the southern end of Burnham-on-Sea seafront and walking east along the tarmac/gravel track along the north side of the estuary for approx 0.25 mile. The wader roost is usually opposite the signboard for Apex Park or a little further downstream (ie towards Burnham), and should be obvious once on site.

If not there, there is a secondary roost site further up the estuary, usually near a large boat hauled out on the south side. (Usually known as 'Fred's boat', it hasn't moved for years, and is obvious.)

Good luck if you're looking.

Julian Thomas

EASTERN RED_FOOTED FALCON IN YORKSHIRE - THE FIRST RECORD FOR BRITAIN

The first EASTERN RED-FOOTED FALCON for Britain was present at Tophill Low Reservoir (East Yorkshire) from Sunday 14 September until Thursday 16 October 2008, where it frequented the South Lake.

Although it disappeared for up to six days at a time during its prolonged stay, it would always return on calm, warm days to catch dragonflies and other winged insects. When present on the reserve, it showed extremely well on occasions and was photographed by numerous observers during its stay (the wonderful selection above were all taken byDavid Bryan).

Although Chris Batty had questioned the bird's identification as Red-footed Falcon - suspecting it may well be an Amur Falcon - from as early as 23rd September, his doubts were quashed by several British identification experts and, so, were not passed on to a wider audience. It was not until it had disappeared that images revealing the true extent of its pied underwing coverts and new gleaming white underwing-coverts were released on to the internet. The rather pale new tail feathers emerging were also a giveaway as well as the more contrasting moustachial and generally paler bluish-grey plumage.

Despite being present for 33 days, very few 'national' birders visited the site to see it and apart from perhaps 100 local Yorkshire birdwatchers, just a handful of others were fortunate enough to witness this staggering occurrence. These included Andrew Appleton, Andrew Lawson and James Hunter from Kent who sensibly 'popped in' whilst returning from the Brown Shrike dip on 25th September.

There have been at least six records of Eastern Red-footed Falcon (Amur Falcon) in Italy (over the Messini Straits) and one in Sweden.

21 OCTOBER 2008 - SCILLY BITES BACK

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH on St Agnes (Steve Keightley)

GREAT WHITE EGRET and SPOONBILL at Abberton Reservoir (Sean Nixon)

The SOCIABLE PLOVER by Telegraph Road, St Mary's (Steve Keightley)




The first RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL for Scilly was discovered mid-afternoon in fields adjacent to Salakee Farm, St Mary's, where it showed well intermittently up until dusk (John Heddon et al), whilst on St Agnes, a first-winter BOBOLINK was seen several times (mainly in flight) this afternoon on Castella Down (Graham Gordon et al). The GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH continues to show well at intermittent intervals on hedgerows and in bushes between the Coastguard Cottages and Troy Town on St Agnes, where also the BLYTH'S REED WARBLER remains in Chapel Fields. An OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT is frequenting a weedy field below Smuggler's Cottage on St Agnes (2nd day) and can be viewed from the gate, whilst a LITTLE BUNTING was seen briefly on Wingletang Down. A RICHARD'S PIPIT remains on St Martin's (on the south side in Marrams at the SE end of St Lawrence's Bay) with a PECTORAL SANDPIPER still on Tresco Great Pool.

A BAIRD'S SANDPIPER is present for a second day just south of Burnham-on-Sea (Somerset) on the Brue Estuary. Park in Highbridge and follow the footpath WNW from the A38 along the south side of the River Brue and after a mile view the mudflats. High tide is optimum for viewing at this site - ST 305 475. Meanwhile, the late juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER is still present 2.5 miles WNW of Pocklington and NW of Barmby Moor north of the A1079 on the flood by Feoffee Common Lane SE 763 503 (East Yorks).

A RED-BACKED SHRIKE is present for perhaps its fourth day east of Halling (Kent) just west of the River Medway at TQ 710 642 whilst NORTHERN GREY SHRIKES (several now on wintering grounds) include singles on Hartland Moor, Middlebere (Dorset), 3 miles east of Fordingbridge at Little Cockley Plain near Pitts Wood (New Forest), Beeley Moor (Derbyshire), Wishmoor Bottom (Berks), Amberley Common (West Sussex) and Ashdown Forest (West Sussex).

The long-staying adult WHITE-BILLED DIVER continues to moult in Water Sound, South Ronaldsay (Orkney) (view from the road) whilst in North Devon, the 2nd-winter drake KING EIDER continues to show at high tide between the Royal George Inn and the Lifeboat Station.

In North Buckinghamshire, the drake Ring-necked Duck has returned once more to Foxcote Reservoir, with the drake FERRUGINOUS DUCK further south at Calvert BBOWT Lake and the other drake still continues to show at the north end of the Amwell NR complex (Herts) on Holycross Lake. A further drake continues at Weston Sewage Works (Somerset), where it is favouring the furthest bed, whilst an adult drake LESSER SCAUP is present at Hogganfield Loch (Clyde) for a third day..

The juvenile Eurasian Spoonbill remains at Abberton Reservoir (Essex), with the GREAT WHITE EGRET there again on 20th, whilst a further GREAT WHITE EGRET remains at Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk), visible from Island Mere Hide. Two Spoonbill continue at Titchwell RSPB (Norfolk), with up to 15 on Brownsea Island (Dorset) in recent days.

A GREY PHALAROPE is at Chard Reservoir (Somerset), with CATTLE EGRETS at Sandy Haven (Pembs) and Meare Heath (Somerset) (2).

In the North of Scotland, a CACKLING CANADA GOOSE is regularly visiting the Whooper Pond at Caerlaverock WWT (Dumfries & Galloway) (often on its own) whilst the regular TAVERNER'S CANADA GOOSE continues to consort with the Barnacle Geese flock. The ROSS'S SNOW GOOSE is still present on Simonswood Moss (North Lancs) with 207 TAIGA BEAN GEESE back on their wintering grounds in Forth in fields opposite Luckenburn Farm.

At least 1 juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER is with European Golden Plovers on The Range, South Uist (Outer Hebrides), with at least four PECTORAL SANDPIPERS nearby on Loch Bee and a RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER at Loch Druidibeg. A SIBERIAN STONECHAT is at North Collafirth (Shetland), with a LITTLE BUNTING at Skaw (Unst) and a first-winter HORNEMANN'S ARCTIC REDPOLL with Greenland Redpolls at Norwick (Unst). Another was at Isbister at North Roe on 19th.

A SHORE LARK is an excellent record for Upton Warren Flashes Pool (Worcs) (4th day).

A WHITE'S THRUSH was a fabulous find in Dyce (Aberdeenshire) on 18-19, where it elusively frequented the largely private Parkhill House Estate (Paul Baxter) and was seen several times in flight around the estate's ornamental lake, whilst the first RED-EYED VIREO for the Isle of Wight was seen at St Catherine's Point on 18th.

After such excitement in recent weeks, IRELAND has finally simmered down, with the adult winter FORSTER'S TERN at Cruisetown Strand (Co. Louth) and juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER at Doonbeg (Co. Clare). A COMMON CRANE is present for a second day in Bantry (Co. Cork) (at Pearson's Bridge) and a late BARRED WARBLER on Mizen Head (Co. Cork).

ALDER FLYCATCHER - FIRST FOR BRITAIN

ALDER FLYCATCHER, Nanjizal Valley, West Cornwall (Steve Nuttall)

As there have been a various comments on the web concerning the ID of the Nanjizal Empid, we've put together the relevant biometrics from the bird that confirm the identification:

http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=1468

Additionally, a feather shed during the ringing process may have enough skin cells on it to allow DNA analysis (though this isn't certain). This is being processed at the moment, with results expected in a week or so. The ability to distinguish between Alder and Willow is pretty good, though it does require two markers for confirmation.Note that feathers can't be taken deliberately for this type of analysis without the appropriate Home Office licence, and this certainly wasn't the case with this bird (before anyone claims otherwise).

Peter Pyle commented as follows

''Thanks for the links. I completely concur that this is an Alder Flycatcher as opposed to a Willow Flycacther. Not only do the measurements confirm it but we have found that the entirely green head and upperparts, as shown by the Cornwall bird, may be diagnostic of Alder. To make a long story short, the original description of the traillii subspecies of Willow may have actually been based on an Alder Flycatcher (according to studies by Philip Unitt). The campestris subspecies of Willow has a grayer head, contrasting with the greener back, and it now seems that there are no green-headed Willows as originally described for traillii (campestris being the only eastern subspecies of Willow). Western Willow Flycatchers look very different. In addition, the blackish wings and bright lemon wing edging strongly favors Alder over Willow.

Congratulations to those who documented this tricky identification''

Mark Grantham & Kester Wilson

BTO Ringing Scheme

Lee,I saw your ID Frontiers post and just wanted to mention that it is widely known that Alder Flycatcher has a significantly larger overall population than Willow, thus increasing the chance that your bird was an ALFL. I can't recall the study I had read or the exact numbers from it, but I believe I recall the ratio was something like 6-8 Alders to 1 Willow.I'm sure you'd have mentioned it had the bird vocalized, but the calls of both species are readily distinguished in the field (that is, when thay call in the Fall, which is quite uncommon). Alder's with a staccato 'pep' or 'pip' and Willow's with a quick 'whit'.Jay Keller,San Diego, CA

Lee, When North American birders say that the two cannot be safely separated,even in the hand, they are probably projecting the uncertainty afflictingmany individual cases (e.g., where measurements overlap or conflict) ontoeven those cases that are least ambiguous.From the data you have supplied, it seems to me most reasonable to callthis bird an Alder Flycatcher. As you note, this species is much morelikely as a vagrant to NW Europe than Willow, not only because of its wingmorphology, but especially by virtue of its more northerly breedingdistribution. The mensural data clearly imply Alder also, and it would bea most extraordinary Willow to measure out this way. It would be worth noting also the bird's bill length, both as measured,and as perceived in the field (Willow tends to look larger-billed), andsuch plumage features as the tone of the upperparts (Alder is greener) andthe prominence of the eyering (Willow is generally rather plain-faced).The call notes frequently given by migrants are also quite different, sothis could be very useful if the bird has been heard calling. If none ofthese lines of evidence is suggestive of Willow, it seems unreasonable tome to call this bird unidentified.Best regards,Shai Mitra, Long Island, NY

Hello,I am very familiar with both Alder and Willow Flycatchers, and there is no doubt in my mind that the UK bird is an Alder Flycatcher. I would vote for it in a heartbeat. Contrary to what many will say, some birds (like yours) are indeed identifiable in the field even without vocalizing. Some birds may not be so idenitifiable, but I've yet to encounter one since my childhood that I had a lengthy study of and could not comfortably identify, vocalizing or not. Unfortunately, many North American birders simply refuse to try to identify "difficult" birds. Just 10 years ago, a majority claimed that Thayer's Gulls were unideitifiable. 10 years before that, it was dowitchers.I suspect you already know these things, but here's a brief run-down of *average* or ideal characteristics (as they pertain to birds from EASTERN North America) with examples of typical birds afterwards:ALDERflat-to-rounded crownsmall billdark greenish cap contrasts with paler back and often grayish napebolder white eyeringoverall greener and more empid-likehttp://www.outdooralabama.com/watchable-wildlife/images/Alder%20Flycatcher%20Dave%20Cagnolatti.jpghttp://flickr.com/photos/mhodge/550943779/in/photostream/WILLOWrounded-to-peaked headlarger, longer bill...more pewee-likepaler crown does not contrast with rest of head and is the same shade or paler than backfainter eyering, or "lacks" it completely since it's brownishoverall less paler, colorful, and more pewee-likehttp://pie.midco.net/dougback/miscphotos/willow_flycatcher.jpghttp://www.birdcapemay.org/tigrina/2007/images/fieldid_oct07_5.jpgI put the most stock in the bill, head shape, and the cap-to-back contrast. Head shape can and does change depending of behavior, though, of course, and needs to be examined over a lengthy study.Michael O'Brien has a nice run-down here:http://www.birdcapemay.org/tigrina/2007/quiz_1007.shtmlThe newer versions of the National Geographic field guide nicely show the differences between the two species. The Sibley guide is not too good with the empids in my opinion.Please don't hesitate to write back with any questions. I hope I've ben of some help.Best wishes,Michael L. P. Retter---------------------------------W. Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., INmlretter AT yahoo.comhome: 309.277.7136cell: 309.824.7317http://xenospiza.com/Tour Leader, Tropical Birdinghttp://www.tropicalbirding.com/

First AZOREAN GULL for Britain

This 2nd-winter AZOREAN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL has been present in fields in the Sennen and Trevorian areas of West Cornwall for over 6 weeks, ranging widely with Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls. It is a very distinct bird (showing many traits associated with immature North American Herring Gull) and its newly acquired feathers on the upperparts confirm its identification.

It represents the FIRST record for Britain and was initially identified by two of Britain's foremost gull 'fanatics'

17 OCTOBER 2008 - SOCIABLE PLOVER survives another day

TODAY'S IMAGES

Plates 1-2: White-throated Sparrow on Cape Clear Island, County Cork, 12-17 October 2008 (Sean Cronin)

Plate 3: Flock of 15 Ring-necked Ducks on Inishmore, Aran Islands, County Galway, October 2008 (Alexander Lees)

Plate 4: First-winter Wilson's Phalarope, Cley NWT Reserve, Norfolk, 9-17 October 2008 (Simon Chidwick)

Plates 5-6: Great White Egret, Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk, 1-17 October 2008 (Sean Nixon).

Plate 7: 2nd-winter Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Trevorian Pool, Cornwall, October 2008 (Simon Chidwick)

Plate 8: Grey Phalarope, Lowestoft Harbour, Suffolk, 10-17 October 2008 (Sean Nixon)

On the Isles of Scilly, the 2nd-winter/adult SOCIABLE PLOVER continues to enthrall observers on St Mary's, where it is surviving on the occasional grub and earthworm in the grassy field directly opposite the Porthloo Lane junction on Telegraph Road. It is incredibly confiding and spends most mornings resting, preferring to feed in the afternoons.

On St Agnes, the GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH showed well all afternoon in scrub between the Coastguard Cottages and Troy Town (Graham Gordon et al), with the BLYTH'S REED WARBLER still present in Chapel Fields but elusive (Graham Gordon et al). A LITTLE BUNTING was reported again at Carn Friars, St Mary's, as well as a RED-THROATED PIPIT in flight over Covean Tearooms on St Agnes at 1425, whilst a mobile RICHARD'S PIPIT was present on St Mary's. A Red-backed Shrike remains on Tresco, with a Hawfinch at Trenoweth, St Mary's, and 13 Yellow-browed Warblers on the archipelago.

In West Cornwall, a RED-EYED VIREO remains for a 7th day near Land's End, favouring the gardens in and around Trevilley Farm. Park sensibly on the grass verge opposite the farm entrance and continue on foot to the farm buildings, where access is only permitted to the track overlooking the Sludge Pit, where the bird shows well intermittently in the Pittisporum bushes thereby.

At the other end of the country, an elusive WHITE'S THRUSH remains for a 4th day in pines west of Kergord House (Shetland), along with a late Barred Warbler and 2 Yellow-browed Warblers. Fair Isle held a GREY PHALAROPE in North Haven, with the drake Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Clickimin, Bluethroat at Channerwick, Bohemian Waxwing at Wester Quarff and the Long-tailed Tit (an extreme rarity on Shetland) during the morning at Scatness and at Toab in the afternoon.

CATTLE EGRETS are once again making the news, with 4 at Chalder's Farm, Pagham Harbour (West Sussex) (at SZ 863 993), 3 NW of Glastonbury at Meare Heath (Somerset), 2 at the north end of the Plym Estuary at Blagdon's Meadow (South Devon) and another at Sandy Haven (Pembrokeshire) (Park opposite the house with 'For Sale' board 100 yards south of the chapel along the St Isthmael-Herbrandston road and then walk south for 130 yards to view trees on the far bank).

In Essex, a GREAT WHITE EGRET appeared at Abberton Reservoir, forming a double-bill with the long-staying juvenile Eurasian Spoonbill off the Layer Breton causeway, with 15 more Spoonbills in Poole Harbour (Dorset) and the long-staying GREAT WHITE EGRET at Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk).

In North Norfolk, the first-winter WILSON'S PHALAROPE was present at Cley NWT Reserve early morning (commutes between here and the Wildfowler's Pools just NE of Walsey Hills) whilst on the Outer Hebrides, single juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS are present at Loch Bee, South Uist (along with at least 4 juvenile Pectoral Sandpipers) and 15 miles NW of Stornoway on Arnol Beach. A GREY PHALAROPE remains in Lowestoft Harbour (Suffolk).

Two Ring-necked Ducks are present on a small lochan adjacent to the A859 just south of Leverburgh on Harris (Outer Hebrides) whilst in Dumfries & Galloway, the CACKLING CANADA GOOSE is again with Barnacle Geese on the Whooper Pond at Caerlaverock WWT. A juvenile AMERICAN WIGEON is amongst 258 Eurasian Wigeon on the Hayle Estuary (Cornwall) and a drake North American Green-winged Teal at Farlington Marshes (Hants). An adult drake FERRUGINOUS DUCK remains at Weston SW (Somerset).

In West Cornwall, a RICHARD'S PIPIT, Woodlark and Lapland Bunting were in stubble fields SE of Polgigga just west of Porthcurno this morning, with 8+ Yellow-browed Warblers still in Penwith and the juvenile ROSE-COLOURED STARLING again opposite Boscaswell Stores in Pendeen village. The long-staying 2nd-winter AZOREAN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL was again in Sennen Cove, roosting with Herring Gulls on The Cowloe off the Lifeboat Station quay.

A late HOOPOE was today at Kirkhill Industrial Estate in Dyce (Aberdeenshire) with a RADDE'S WARBLER again at Prawle Point (South Devon) on 16th and a late juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKE at Flamborough Head (East Yorks).

The long-staying adult GLOSSY IBIS remains at Swillington Ings (West Yorks) (in the western reedbed viewable from the Perimeter Walk) with the 2nd-winter drake KING EIDER again off Appledore (North Devon).

In IRELAND, one of last week's 15 Ring-necked Ducks remain on Cowrough Lake, Inishmore (Aran Islands) (County Galway), with a Red-breasted Flycatcher on Mizen Head (Co. Cork) and the juvenile LITTLE BLUE HERON in Barnaderg Bay, Letterfalc (Co. Galway). The WHITE-THROATED SPARROW remains for a sixth day on Lighthouse Road, Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork).

2007 Year List Record set to be broken

Little Blue Heron (Michael O'Keefe)

Azorean Yellow-legged Gull (Simon Chidwick)

Portland Bill Grey-cheeked Thrush (Jill Seymour)

Galley Head Swainson's Thrush (Michael O'Keefe)

Scarlet Tanager (Matthew Deans)


With a further TWELVE species since my last update, the 2008 total for Britain and Ireland has now reached 434 species - equalling the record set just last year. Four of these species have come again from Ireland, which has experienced perhaps its best year ever.

With the expected late autumn arrival of Pied Wheatear, Isabelline Shrike and at least one other Nearctic vagrant, I am confident a new record will be set.

The new additions are thus -:

LITTLE BLUE HERON - a juvenile present in Barnaderg Bay, Letterfalc (County Galway), from 24 September until at least 17 October - a first for Britain & Ireland and the fourth for the Western Palearctic. To date, twitched by over 85 Irish and 350 birders.

SOCIABLE PLOVER - the first for Scilly and in a most unusual state of wear - this adult has remained by Telegraph Road, St Mary's, from 13-17 October after being initially seen over Porthellick Down and on the Airfield on 12.

AZOREAN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL - a 2nd-winter has been present in West Cornwall for over a month now, favouring the Sennen area and most often associating with Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls.

COMMON NIGHTHAWK - two arrived following strong SW winds, with one picked up dead on Telegraph Road, St Mary's (Scilly) on 6 October and another seen several times around Lizard village (Cornwall) on 7-8 October.

ALDER FLYCATCHER - a first-winter favoured an open bracken-covered slope just inland of the sea at Polgigga (Cornwall) on 8-9 October, presumably after making first landfall following its Atlantic crossing. It was trapped and ringed early afternoon on 9th, with its long primary measurement being outside that of the closely-related Willow Flycatcher.

OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT - several autumn migrants including an early bird at Spurn Point in September.

SWAINSON'S THRUSH - a confiding bird at Galley Head (Co. Cork) on 11 October - found yet again by Carol and Martin Styles (this couple have now found all of the Catharus thrush species on the Irish List).

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH - one trapped and ringed at Portland Bill Bird Observatory (Dorset) was followed by another, more typical record on St Agnes (Scilly) from 13th October.

PHILADELPHIA VIREO - the second for Ireland delighted observers at Loop Head, Kilbaha (Co. Clare) on 13-14 October. It was seen by up to 44 British twitchers and 35 Irish in the two days of its presence.

BLACKPOLL WARBLER - singles on St Agnes (Scilly) from 9-14 October and in Pembrokeshire on 10 October.

SCARLET TANAGER - a very confiding first-winter male was in gardens and shrubs at Garinish Point (Co. Cork) from 7-11 October, the first to be seen since October 1985.

BOBOLINK - one was at Porth Joke, Newquay (Cornwall), until mid-morning only on 11 October

13 OCTOBER 2008 - PHILADELPHIA VIREO makes landfall in County Clare

Once again, all attention is focussed on the West of Ireland, where today a PHILADELPHIA VIREO was discovered in County Clare. With just two previous records (Galley Head, Cork, 12-17 October 1985 and at Borough Farm, Tresco, Scilly, from 10-13 October 1987), this bird is surely going to draw in large numbers of visitors. It is favouring a line of Willows and hedgerow about 0.6 miles north of Kilbaha adjacent to Bog Road, on Loop Head.

DETAILED DIRECTIONS - Park sensibly and courteously by the Lighthouse Inn and roadway and then continue on foot along Bog Road for half a mile forking right to view the Willows. DO NOT PARK IN BOG ROAD and take care not to obstruct entrances or driveways. Loop Head lies 11 miles SW of Kilkee and is just under two hours drive from Shannon Airport.

On the ISLES OF SCILLY, an adult SOCIABLE PLOVER is an extraordinary arrival, remaining for a second day on the archipelago, and ranging between the Airfield, Lower Moors Stepping Stones Field and the Golf Course, with a BLACKPOLL WARBLER (in Barnaby Lane & environs) and 2 RED-EYED VIREOS on St Agnes (at Covean and in Gugh Plantation) and RED-EYED VIREO and Red-breasted Flycatcher on The Garrison, St Mary's. WRYNECKS remain on St Mary's and on St Martin's

In neighbouring Cornwall, the juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER (previously present on Scilly) is with European Golden Plovers at Higher Tregiffian Farm, just SW of Land's End Aerodrome (follow the footpath from the B3306), with the RED-EYED VIREO in trees around Trevilley Farm, Land's End, and the 2nd-winter AZOREAN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL in fields by Trevorian Pool, with the 2nd-winter drake KING EIDER at Appledore (North Devon) showing offshore of the Royal George Inn.

On the Outer Hebrides, a stunning HORNEMANN'S ARCTIC REDPOLL remains on North Uist at Lochmaddy, consorting with 30+ Icelandic/Greenland Redpolls around Newton House, whilst the 5th Shetland WHITE'S THRUSH of the autumn was discovered at Kergord Plantation, in bushes by Kergord House at 1645. A RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER is on Barra (at North Bay House) (following 3 on Shetland yesterday), with large numbers of Icelandic/Greeland-type Redpolls on the Northern Isles and a scattering of Yellow-browed Warblers.

A juvenile LESSER YELLOWLEGS was newly discovered at Port Clarence (Cleveland), favouring the small pool by the Calor Gas Pool, whilst the first-winter WILSON'S PHALAROPE continues to commute between the wildfowling ponds, just NE of Walsey Hills NR, and Cley Marsh NWT (Norfolk). A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was at Qouys of Reiss (Highland) on 12th.

Drake FERRUGINOUS DUCKS remain at Calvert BBOWT Lake (North Bucks) and Amwell NR (Herts), with an adult drake LESSER SCAUP at Queen Mother Reservoir (Berks) (8th-11th) and a CATTLE EGRET at Nanquidno (Cornwall) on 12th.

In Hertfordshire, a juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKE remains for a tenth day on Therfield Heath, Royston, at Lancaster Hill, showing well by the small plantation just 100 yards east of Briary Lane, whilst a PENDULINE TIT was seen at Sandwich Bay (Kent) in the reeds at North Stream. A RICHARD'S PIPIT is present for a fourth day just SE of Annesley (Notts) at Annesley Pit Top on the grassy plateau just north of the lagoon (access from Newstead village along Tilford road).

A juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Wood Sandpiper and Little Stint are all present just NW of Pocklington (North Yorks) north of the A1079 by the minor road north of the caravan site at SE 763 503.

RECENCIES

A first-winter male DESERT WHEATEAR (the first of the autumn) was seen and photographed at Crosby Beach (Merseyside) on 12th, with an OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT on St Mary's (Scilly) on 12th, adult female LESSER GREY SHRIKE at Rettenden (Essex) on 10th-11th, BOBOLINK at Porth Joke, Newquay (Cornwall) on 11th and RADDE'S WARBLERS at Prawle Point and East Soar Farm (South Devon).

In IRELAND, a SWAINSON'S THRUSH performed well at Dirk Bay, Galley Head (Co. Cork) on 11th, with a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and RED-THROATED PIPIT on Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork) (12th) and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER on Inishmore (Co. Galway). Up to 11 Yellow-browed Warblers were on Mizen Head (Co. Cork), with the adult female SNOWY OWL at Termon Hill (Co. Mayo) and BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER on the Myroe Levels.

The first-winter male SCARLET TANAGER has been showing very well this morning at Garinish Point, about 10 miles WSW of Castletown Bearhaven (0800-0900 hours at least). Please park only by the pier or in the area by the standing stones and walk back. DO NOT PARK ALONG THE ROAD AND RESTRICT ACCESS.

Scarlet Tanager is a real mega in Britain and Ireland with just 7 previous records (4 in Britain and 3 in Ireland) (see Evans 1991, Rare Birds in Britain 1800-1990, page 483 for a detailed analysis of records) but to summarise -:

First-winter male, Porthellick Pool area and Birches, St Mary's. SCILLY, 4th October 1970.
First-winter male, Gimble Porth area, Tresco, SCILLY, 28th September to 3rd October 1975
First-winter male, Nanquidno, CORNWALL, 11th October 1981.
First-winter female, Porthellick Loop Trail & Higher Moors Sallows, St Mary's, SCILLY, 12th-18th October 1982.

IRELAND

First-winter female, trapped and ringed, Copeland Bird Observatory, DOWN, 12th October 1963.
First-winter female, Firkeel, CORK, 12th-14th October 1985
Adult male, Firkeel, CORK, 18th October 1985.

The 1975 and 1982 birds on Scilly were very well received and seen by over 350 observers of the time.

Hurricane aftermath drops Tanager and Nighthawk in

Juvenile Little Blue Heron, Barnaberg Bay, Letterfrack, County Galway, 7 October 2008 (Jim Lawrence)

A wave depression which arrived from the Atlantic after just two days appears to have deposited yet another batch of Nearctic vagrants in Britain and Ireland, on a broad front from County Cork to Cornwall.

The first SCARLET TANAGER since 1985 was discovered by Kieran Grace this afternoon 10 miles WSW of Castletown Bearhaven at Garinish Point. It was seen at 5.40pm but could not be relocated between then and dusk despite searching.Please park only by the pier or by the Standing Stones and walk back; DO NOT PARK ALONG THE ROAD.

Further north, in County Galway, the juvenile LITTLE BLUE HERON remains in Barnaderg Bay, Ballynakill Harbour, where it is showing extremely well, often down to 40 yards, on the rocky shoreline either side of the two piers about 1 mile west of Letterfrack.

DIRECTIONS: It is about 2.5 hours driving from Shannon Airport, bypassing Ennis on the N18 to Gort then Galway. From the Galway North Ring Road, follow signs for N59 Clifden and after 52 kms, turn right on the Connemara Recess R334 towards Letterfrac. This road then rejoins the N59, where turn left and continue to Letterfrac village and beyond. The last 78 kms is on relatively poor roads (very windy, narrow and often bumpy) so take extreme care.

In Cornwall (following one found dead on St Mary's, Scilly, yesterday), a COMMON NIGHTHAWK flew in from the direction of the sea between Church Cove and Lizard Point at 1700 hours and was then relocated just SE of the main Lizard village at 1815, flying over the field between Bass Point and the Lifeboat Station and at dusk along the clifftop between Church Cove and Bass Point.

Please park in the NT car park or in the village - DO NOT PARK IN CHURCH COVE.

On the Isles of Scilly, the AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT remains on Bryher at the north end of Popplestones Bay, with an AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER on the Airfield and up to 6 Yellow-browed Warblers scattered around the islands.

Also of Nearctic origin was a first-winter WILSON'S PHALAROPE present at Cley Marsh NWT (Norfolk) for a few hours, commuting between Pat's Pool and North Scrape (and last seen early afternoon), with a juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER on Barra (Outer Hebrides) and a drake Ring-necked Duck on Loch of Tingwall (Shetland).

A juvenile RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was noted off Dungeness Beach (Kent) today, with a PECTORAL SANDPIPER at Grove Ferry (Kent) and GREY PHALAROPES storm-driven to Sennen Cove (Cornwall) (25+), Porthgwarra (Cornwall) (20), Lodmoor CP (Dorset) (9) and Pendeen (Cornwall) (5) and inland at Draycote Water (Warks) and Cheddar Reservoir (Somerset). A few juvenile SABINE'S GULLS were also noted along the South Coast, whilst in the North Sea, 50 or more LITTLE AUKS were counted off Burnmouth (Borders).

Three RICHARD'S PIPITS were on Fair Isle today (with others on Brownsman, Farne Islands and at Penmon Point on Anglesey), as well as Bluethroat and Common Rosefinch.

The Cambridgeshire GLOSSY IBIS continues to grace Sutton Gault Flash, with a further adult still at Swillington Ings (West Yorks).

In IRELAND, not far away from the Little Blue Heron, Inishmore Island produced a juvenile ROSE-COLOURED STARLING and 7 Yellow-browed Warblers today, whilst four juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPERS remain at Rahasane Turlough, just SW of Craughwell (County Galway).

More LITTLE BLUE HERON images

http://flickr.com/photos/sean_cronin/

Little Blue Heron in County Galway on 5 October 2008 (Sean Cronin)

5 OCTOBER 2008

TODAY'S IMAGES

LITTLE BLUE HERON, Letterfrack Bay, County Galway, 24 September 2008 (Dermot Breen)

HORNEMANN'S ARCTIC REDPOLL, Fair Isle, 3 October 2008 (Mark Breaks) - one of three present in Shetland this week

AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT, North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 3 October 2008 (Paul Brown)

PECHORA PIPIT, South Uist, Outer Hebrides, 4 October 2008 (Steve Duffield)

This is the UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert for Sunday 5 October 2008, issued at 2200 hours and published in association with Rare Bird Alert Pagers, and utilising information gleaned from the Regional Birdlines, BirdGuides, local email groups and websites and individual birders. Special thanks go to Eric Dempsey of BINS.

The big news today was the confirmation of a juvenile LITTLE BLUE HERON in western Ireland - only the fourth record for the Western Palearctic. First seen by Aonghus O'Donaill and Dermot Breen on 24 September in Letterfrack Bay (County Galway), the bird was seen again by Aonghus and Gerald Walshe this morning and finally 'nailed'. It showed well throughout the day, mostly in the vicinity of the pier, and roosted at 7.15pm in the wood on the west side of Barnaderg Bay viewed from the N69. Letterfrack lies 6 miles NNE of Clifden. It was seen by about 40 observers before dusk, including 4 from Britain.

A first-winter female SUBALPINE WARBLER was newly found SW of St Just at Nanquidno Valley (Cornwall) in brambles along the stream between Nanjulian Farm and the Mill House, with a juvenile BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER present for a fourth day at Wallasea Island (Essex) but extremely elusive (showing on the rising or falling tides for a total of just five minutes today).

An elusive PECHORA PIPIT was present for a second day in the wooded garden at Knockquien, at the south end of South Uist (Outer Hebrides), with a SIBERIAN STONECHAT on Lewis at Europie, whilst the first AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT for Orkney remained for a third day at Bevan. A BOHEMIAN WAXWING was in Halligarth Plantation on Unst (Shetland) today, with Bluethroat and LITTLE BUNTING still on Fair Isle, a HORNEMANN'S ARCTIC REDPOLL still at Culivoe School on Yell (and another atill at Norwick on Unst)(Shetland) and a scattering of Yellow-browed Warblers. Also in Scotland, a HOOPOE was at Newmachar (Aberdeenshire) frequenting the old railway line near Blankettle Bridge (at NJ 898 211).

PECTORAL SANDPIPERS today included juveniles on Fetlar (Shetland) (in fields by Loch of Funzie), at Rossie Bog, 2 miles east of Auchtermuchty (Fife), St Mary's Airfield (Scilly) and Rimac Dunes (North Lincs), with a juvenile BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER on Tiree (Argyll) at Vaul (3rd day).

In Cambridgeshire, the adult GLOSSY IBIS remained at Sutton Gault until 1300 hours only.

Gale force SW winds in the channel displaced a number of juvenile LONG-TAILED SKUAS, including 5 off Berry Head, Brixham (South Devon), 3 past Milford-on-Sea (Hants), 2 in Hayling Bay (Hants) and one over Duck Street in Wool (Dorset), whilst a LITTLE AUK flew west past Prawle Point (South Devon). GREY PHALAROPES were also affected by the storm with singles at Colyford Common LNR (South Devon), in Chesil Cove (Dorset), off Hurst Spit (Hants), off Sandy Point, Hayling Island (Hants) and at Chew Valley Lake (Avon).

At Caerlaverock WWT (Dumfries & Galloway), two RICHARDSON'S CANADA GEESE and a single CACKLING CANADA GOOSE-type (previously seen in Norway this autumn) remain with 16,500 Svalbard Barnacle Geese, whilst a returning adult ROSS'S SNOW GOOSE is with Pink-footed Geese at Martin Mere WWT (Lancs) for a second day.

The GREAT WHITE EGRETS remain at Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) and Ivy Lake (Hants).

A juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKE survived today's blustery conditions behind Butts Lagoon at Pennington Marshes (Hants), with another still present at Spurn Point (East Yorks), whilst a WRYNECK remains on Peninnis Head, St Mary's (Scilly). In Pembrokeshire, a RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER was at Dale, with a first-winter SIBERIAN STONECHAT still present south of Bere Regis (Dorset) east of the cress beds at SY 853 934. Two LITTLE BUNTINGS remain at Carn Friars, St Mary's.

Elsewhere in IRELAND, the adult winter FORSTER'S TERN is again at Cruisetown Strand (Co. Louth), a BLACK BRANT is at Strangford Lough at Floodgates (Co. Down) and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS are at Lough Beg SE of Cork (Co. Cork) and at Inishmore (Co. Galway). A late HOBBY flew west over Kilmurvey (Galway)and 2 Yellow-browed Warblers were at Inishmore.

AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT ON ORKNEY

The first AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT for Orkney was discovered on North Ronaldsay on 3rd October and is still present today, showing well on the Golf Course at Bevan

Paul Brown obtained these excellent images above

LITTLE BLUE HERON IN COUNTY GALWAY

LITTLE BLUE HERON, Letterfrack, County Galway, 5 October 2008 (John Murphy)

The juvenile LITTLE BLUE HERON is still present 6 miles NNE of Chifden (County Galway) at Letterfrack at midday, showing well intermittently on the rocky foreshore at the end of the Pier. It represents the third for the Western Palearctic, following three previous records of juveniles in The Azores (see below)

1 28 November 1964, Flores, first-winter (ringed as a nestling at New Jersey, USA, in June 1964)
2 7-9 October 1997, Fajã dos Cubres, São Jorge, juvenile
3 4-7 October 1998, Madalena, Pico, juvenile

This bird has been present since at least 24 September

''Aonghus O'Donaill and myself first saw the bird on 24th Sept. Little Egretsstill scarce enough out here. Aonghus though legs and bill were a little onthe yellow side. We quickly came to the conclusion that it wasn't a Snowy.We both remarked that the bill appearred surprisingly like that of a SquaccoHeron. I noted black smudging to the primary tips, yellow-greenish lores andlegs (latter stout enough). Neck also seemed thicker. We decided to leave itas a juvenile Little and thought no more of it and didn't even botherlooking for it again. Fast forward to about 7p.m. last night. While flickingthrough Sibley (thanks Rob!) I came across Little Blue - the penny mostdefinitely dropped! Aonghus and Ger Walshe picked up the bird first thingthis morning. I'm currently out on Inishmore until Wed and have promisedmyself I won't jump ship, don't think its going anywhere in a hurry anyway''

Dermot Breen