Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2025 i Bird Watching

birdwatching.co.uk/my200 In this issue, Paul Brook writes about the way that significant bird sightings sometimes attach themselves to much wider memories, so that reliving them triggers off a Proustian chain reaction. I know exactly what he means. At family gatherings and similar, I'm usually pretty good at recalling dates and details, but it's almost always because each memory has become inextricably linked, in my mind, to either bird sightings or cricket matches (and sometimes both). So, for example, I can usually remember the locations and years of childhood family holidays because of the first encounters with the likes of Oystercatchers and Fulmars that they contained. If you need another reason to go birding (and you don't, of course), then use it like that to train your brain! Have a great…

twitter.com/BirdWatchingMag facebook.com/BirdWatchingMag RARITY RATINGS Common, widely distributed Localised – always a treat Very scarce or rare KNOT More than a quarter of a million Knot winter in the UK, even forming vast flocks at sites such as Snettisham, in north-west Norfolk, as the high tide rises driving the birds into roost on the land. At this time of year, they are grey and white like so many other waders. They are big for Calidris sandpipers, notably larger than Dunlins or Sanderlings, for example, with proportionately smaller heads and shorter bills, and palish rumps (dark centred with Dunlin and Sanderling), plus yellowish-green legs. The larger size may even make you think they are Grey Plovers, so, check carefully. KITTIWAKE The true ‘seagull' is actually our most numerous breeding gull, with a…

#My200BirdYear ticklist Download and print off our #My200BirdYear ticklist to track your progress… www.birdwatching.co.uk/ my-200-sign-up You can track your progress in #My200BirdYear by joining us on the Birda app, as featured in our recent Gear Guide. Download the app, sign up for the #My200BirdYear challenge, and log your sightings as you make them. While you're at it, Birda's monthly and geographicallybased challenges are a great way of motivating yourself towards the bigger target, too, and by interacting with other users you can develop your ID skills. YOUR LOCAL PATCH Late autumn sees most migration halt almost overnight. Our summer visitors are now gone and our winter residents are almost all firmly ensconced in our leafless and flowerless land. But the birding doesn't stop, of course. Many of those winter visitors…

Just like a piece of music, seeing or hearing a particular bird can take us back to a different place or time Jin our lives. That one bird can evoke nostalgia, fond memories, rose-tinted visions of more carefree times – perhaps when we were children or first discovering the joys of birding. Many of my own formative birding memories date back to the mid-late 1980s and early 90s. Having had my birding epiphany at the age of eight, thanks to my fascination with a Redwing that had fatefully landed outside my classroom window (this must have been the winter of 1984/85), I would then embark on a birding odyssey of sorts. This involved going on YOC (Young Ornithologist Club) trips, becoming aware of the birds I could see on holidays…

● Ringing began in 1909, before the BTO was founded. ● The oldest individual ringed bird was a Laysan Albatross called Wisdom, who is at least 74 years of age. She is still laying eggs! ● In the UK, the record of oldest individual bird goes to a Manx Shearwater, which was found to be approximately 51 years old. ● According to the BTO's 2023 Ringing and Nest Recording Report, there have been 5,159,018 Blue Tits ringed since 1909. This is the highest figure for any species. ● In 2010, there were 143,927 of these cheeky birds caught, also making it the most commonly ringed species of that specific year. ● The first bird to be ringed, according to Stephen Moss – in his book of the bird's name –…

In association with os.uk/osm MAX MILES ON FOOT: 3 MIN TIME: 3 HOURS Gullane Bents is home to one of Scotland's most popular summer beaches and is best visited in the less crowded periods of the year. Large stands of Sea Buckthorn in the dunes and woodland offer good breeding sites and the bright orange berries are a favourite food for Fieldfare and other species. Paths through the dunes and out to the rocks give great opportunities especially at migration and there is walk alongside the golf course which can also be productive at times. Gullane is next door to Aberlady Bay and many of the excellent birds including the rarer geese species there can be spotted from Gullane Point. STEVE NEWMAN WHERE TO WATCH 1 The car park is…

In association with os.uk/osm MAX MILES ON FOOT: 2.5 MIN TIME: 2 HOURS On the edge of Leamington Spa, this area has mixed habitats which are home to a good variety of warblers in spring and summer, with the chance of wildfowl and waders in winter. MATT MERRITT WHERE TO WATCH 1 The main body of the reserve has woodland, scrub, and open areas - the latter attract Green Woodpecker. Cuckoos are often seen and heard here in spring, when warblers such as Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Cetti's Warbler are also present. Look for Reed and Sedge Warblers around the water bodies. 2 The lake here often has the commoner ducks such as Mallard and Gadwall, plus Mute Swan, with Grey Heron and Little Egret also possible. The Peregrines…

GET IN TOUCH birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk facebook.com/BirdWatchingMag twitter.com/BirdWatchingMag Bird Watching, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA Hard to swallow? A small group of Eider were foraging close to the shore in a bay on Fetlar, Shetland. This female caught a crab which she quickly swallowed to avoid it being stolen by others in the group. It looked too big for her to swallow whole – but she did so without any problem! Dave Potter Reader Shots Send your snaps to birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk to be in with a chance of seeing your photo in print. All images should be high resolution JPEG files. WE LOVE … The perfect timing of the Kingfisher photograph PICS FROM OUR FACEBOOK GROUP Join our dedicated #My200BirdYear Facebook group and share your best birding experiences and images with…

Recently, my old birding pal, Cornelius Ravenwing III, contacted me to ask if I remembered the date that he saw Little Curlew in the UK, as he was updating his British list. We were doing a lot of birding together at the time. But it was a particularly irksome question, as it brought to the surface a troubled memory that had hitherto been buried deep within the core of my being. He had invited me to twitch it with him in Norfolk. However, for some unfathomable reason, I decided against going, thinking that it would stick around. Of course, in those days there was no social media to consult for instant news updates. We were still operating in the Stone Age, relying on twitchers at the scene to pass on…

The best rare birds seen all around Britain in September Usually, September is a month where the drama comes late on. Rare bird seekers know this, of course, and more and more are hitting the hotspot of the Shetland archipelago in the last week or so of the month (rather than the traditional month of October). Naturally, the latter half of the month delivered, as expected. But, this September delivered from the off, and kept delivering, building nicely before the late month surge. Kicking off the month was a more than remarkable influx into the UK (and Ireland) of Glossy Ibises – hundreds and hundreds of them, in many flocks of 20-plus birds, peaking with a flock of at least 99 birds at Chew Valley Lake, Avon on 12th. Many…

In association with Highlights Star bird was the Blackwinged Kite at Hickling Broad NWT. A Zitting Cisticola was at Walberswick. An Isabelline Shrike was at Happisburgh. Cambs produced Squacco Heron (at Grafham Water) and Lesser Yellowlegs(es) at Isleham and Etton. CAMBRIDGESHIRE HIGHLIGHTS: Grafham Water had a Squacco Heron (8th), Gannet (21st)), Great Skua (22nd), Common Scoter (22nd), a Little Stint, three Sandwich Terns, and 11 Curlew Sandpipers. A Lesser Yellowlegs was at Isleham Washes (12th), with presumably the same bird at Etton-Maxey Pits (16th-29th). A Grey Phalarope was at Etton-Maxey Pits (17th). A Pectoral Sandpiper was at Isleham Washes (23rd). A Dotterel flew over Ouse Fen (19th). Two Pied Flycatchers were at Ditton Meadows (7th). Two Black Redstarts were at Eddington (18th). A Honey Buzzard flew over Over (18th). A…

In association with Highlights Welsh highlights for September included a juvenile Marsh Sandpiper at Peterstone Wentlooge, Gwent (14th), a Yelkoan Shearwater past Bardsey Island, Caernarfon (16th), and a ringtail Pallid Harrier at Llanrhidian Marsh, Glamorgan (30th). ANGLESEY HIGHLIGHTS: Point Lynas recorded a Storm Petrel, Leach's Petrel, Grey Phalarope, 11 Sabine's Gulls, a Pomarine Skua, 10 Great Skuas, 51 Arctic Skuas, three Great Northern Divers, nine Red-throated Divers, 66 Black Terns, four Little Terns, two Little Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull, and 945 Common Scoters. The Inland Sea had a Great White Egret (3rd), Osprey (4th), Grey Phalarope (15th), and Eider (22nd). A Turtle Dove was at Cemaes (26th). Cors Ddyga had seven Cattle Egrets (4th), a Red-necked Phalarope (8th), 14 Ruff and 14 Pinkfeet (21st), 21 Pintails (22nd), a Green Sandpiper…

In association with Highlights The most popular rarity in the North East was a Pechora Pipit, at The Leas, South Sheilds, Co. Durham, an extremely rare bird away from the Northern Isles and Shetland in particular, which has hogged the vast majority of the 100-plus UK records. NORTHUMBERLAND HIGHLIGHTS: The adult White-rumped Sandpiper remained at East Chevington NWT (1st-6th), plus two Little Gulls (3rd), a Dotterel over (4th), Pectoral Sandpiper (6th-17th), Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Black Tern, Honey Buzzard over (15th), and Glossy Ibis (30th). A third-summer Black-crowned Night Heron was at Marden Quarry (1st-3rd). Holy Island had Red-necked Phalarope (9th-11th), at least three Little Stints (9th-10th), c.76 Curlew Sandpipers (9th-10th), Buff-breasted Sandpiper (10th), up to two Red-breasted Flycatchers (26th-29th), and Yellow-browed Warbler. A Glossy Ibis was at Holywell…

John Miles: “Woodcock high over the ground, when Tony Woodcock was on the pitch for Nottingham Forest!” Ruth Miller: “Peregrine over Old Trafford while watching Man Utd. They won; this was the Beckham era!” David Lindo: “Playing football in Hyde Park, I was in goal and saw an Osprey fly low overhead, followed by a football. They scored!” Paul Brook: “We went to the clifftop Minack Theatre in Cornwall, and saw a steady flow of Manx Shearwaters.” …and the Bird Watching team's answers Matt Merritt: “Seeing Guernsey's first Zitting Cisticola against the bizarre backdrop of a Japan vs Surinam cricket match.” Mike Weedon: “A few years ago, I went to see the West Indies playing Leicestershire in Leicester – a pair of Ravens flew over. Unusual, I thought.” Cover pic:…

MASTER OF DISGUISE In late autumn, there is an obvious benefit for a moth in looking like a decaying leaf. It makes it much easier to hide from hungry predators such as might be in a roving tit flock. The Feathered Thorn is a great example. The insect gets its name from the male's feathery antennae, which excel at detecting the pheromones issued by a female seeking a mate. PLANT Avian superfood Early in autumn, Ivy flowers are an insect superfood, refuelling butterflies, hoverflies, wasps and bees by day, and moths by night. Later on, it is Ivy berries that come to the fore. These black, fat-rich spheres are targeted by birds. MAMMAL Breaking the bond This month, you may notice more dead Red Foxes lying roadside, having been hit…

The 2026 BTO Annual Conference will be held in Northampton in February, and birdwatchers from around the UK are invited to join staff, volunteers, and guest speakers for a day of inspiring talks. An itinerary of fascinating and informative presentations will be on offer, covering a wide range of topics. These will include talks on understanding the ecology of enigmatic Nightjars, a look at the impacts of the Usutu virus on British Blackbird populations, results of the Winter Gull Survey, how we're tracking and monitoring seabirds in Scotland, and our work in pioneering solutions to boost the UK's threatened Curlew populations. There will also be plenty of time to chat to fellow birders and browse exhibition stalls showcasing the work of BTO and our supporters. BTO Conference organiser Cailin Phoenix…

Beware the Jabberwock, my son! This line from Lewis Carroll's poem Jabberwocky has been absorbed into popular culture as a warning against anything potentially formidable and threatening. As we cautiously approached two Jabiru storks feeding in a wet ditch, this bizarre poem ran through my mind. These birds were real, not mythical, but although they weren't threatening, they could definitely be called formidable. Everything about the Jabiru is impressive. A male bird can reach a lofty five feet tall and is the tallest flying bird in Central and Southern America, with a wingspan of between seven to nine feet. Those big wings are necessary to get 20 pounds of Jabiru safely airborne. Even its bill is huge, measuring more than a foot from its broad base to its sharp point.…

In association with os.uk/osm MAX MILES ON FOOT: 5 MIN TIME: 3 HOURS Close to the town of Downham Market, the area known as Denver Sluice is a water management complex for the surrounding fens where five watercourses merge. This wet grassland is situated where the River Great Ouse becomes tidal near the Hundred Foot Drain at the end of the Ouse Washes, providing an excellent location for wintering and breeding wildfowl. During harsh winters, this area, often underwater during these months, remains ice-free, providing fresh water all year round. It is an excellent location for ducks, passerines, gulls and winter swans; additionally, the adjacent Tallymore farm fields have been converted into wet grassland through environmental schemes, providing further protected habitats. This area is also popular with migrants seeking temporary…

One odd tern Q I thought I'd photographed a rare tern on Cley beach on Thursday evening. Bird ID apps don't agree what it is. There were three terns in total, two white with black markings and one that identifies as an adult Common Tern. Now I'm thinking this is possibly a juvenile Common Tern? Whatever it is, it's striking. Peter Burrill A The bird photographed (left) is not a juvenile Common Tern, Peter, though one of your photographed terns was indeed an adult (not shown here). You are right that your mystery bird is a juvenile, though. It is a juvenile Sandwich Tern. Note the relatively large head and short tail combined with a long and quite thick (though pointed) black bill. The interesting ‘spotting' on the upperparts and white…

In association with Highlights While the Challenger expedition to the continental shelf edge produced nearly 100 Band-rumped Petrels, back on dry land a Yellow-browed Bunting was at Abbotsbury Swannery, Dorset and a Paddyfield Warbler on St Mary's, Scilly. AVON CLEVEDON TO WESTON-SUPER-MARE: Clevedon had three Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stints on three dates, a Grey Phalarope, and a Hoopoe (14th). Sand Point had Golden Plovers past (from 16th), eight Curlew Sandpipers, three Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater (15th), Wryneck (19th), Gannet, and Yellow-browed Warbler. Uphill had a Little Stint (21st). SEVERNSIDE: Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetlands had the first returning Golden Plovers, 17 Knot, seven Ruff, 35 Curlew Sandpipers, four Little Stints, a Grey Phalarope, Spotted Redshank, and Glossy Ibis. Severn Beach had four Curlew Sandpipers, three Grey Phalaropes, 11 Kittiwakes, two Black…

SCAUP The Scaup shares the same diving duck genus Aythya with more familiar ducks such as Tufted Duck and Pochard. And you can tell. The male has the same black breast, black tail end, and pale flanks as the other drakes; the same blackish head as a Tufted Duck (but without the tuft), and a similar ‘grey’ (actually finely vermiculated) back as a Pochard. Scaup are also about the same size as Pochard, so somewhat larger than Tufted Ducks. This can be helpful when distinguishing females and youngsters. In addition to the size, look particularly for the steep forehead but gently rounded head of a Scaup (with no tufts or angles), the obvious white blaze (which occurs in some female Tufties), the broader bluish bill with only limited black by…

September had reached its mid-point pretty quietly. My traditional Peterborough area year list had made decent progress to 185 species by the start of the month. Marsh Tit and Redstart in August kept up the record of adding at least one bird per month. But September was a potential stumbling block. Nothing new was added, and (as you may have read in October's BW ), I even allowed myself to be lured out of the official Peterborough Bird Club recording area to prostrate myself before a Grey Phalarope at Rutland Water. Then came the morning of Tuesday 16 September, which you won't remember was very windy. As usual, at 6.30am I was in position at the east screen of the east pit of Deeping Lakes LWT, my favoured pre-work perch.…

I last visited Global Birdfair in its early days, and was struck then that, in late July, the harvest was well under way in the heart of England. As a boy, I remember, in the long summer school holiday, making tunnels through the lush green hay fields. In the last week before school started, we would watch the combine spewing wheat into a truck while defecating bailed straw. As the centre of the field had one small square of ripe wheat left, the Hares would dash from the last cover. We country kids built straw igloos and forts until the farmer chased us off. As a teenager, those weeks might be spent earning a few quid in the strawberry fields. Now Wimbledon gets the tail end of the strawberry harvest…

The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species, with a breeding range across southern Europe, Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australia, coastal North America, the West Indies and even parts of South America and Indonesia. Since 2000, the European breeding population has increased and spread north, with new colonies establishing in Spain and France. After breeding, most European birds were thought to migrate to sub-Saharan Africa to over-winter. Twenty-five years ago, the Glossy Ibis was considered a mega-rarity in the UK, but since then sightings have increased to consistently exceed 20 non-breeding birds each year. The BBRC agreed to remove the species from the rarities list at the end of 2012. Then, a pair finally bred in Britain in 2022, in Cambridgeshire. 2025 is proving to be a record-breaking year for…

There is something pleasing about thrushes. It is not just the songs they produce in spring – which are among, admittedly, some of the finest of any bird. It is also to do with their handsome proportions, their ‘solidity', being decent- sized passerines, unlike, say, brittle-looking pipits. When you hear the word thrush, you may instantaneously think of a medium-sized brown bird with a speckled breast. But there is more to them than a spotty chest – thrushes also go in for some very striking plumage (including, when you stop to think about it, the wholly black feathering of an adult male Blackbird, contrasting with the orange-yellow bill and eye-ring: gorgeous!) For this month's challenge, we have six superb thrushes. Please name them, then turn the page to see if…

In association with os.uk/osm MAX MILES ON FOOT: 5 MIN TIME: 3 HOURS Ulverston is well known for its lighthouse away from the sea. The monument was built in 1850 by public subscription as a memorial for Sir John Barrow, and it can be seen from many miles around and has become a symbol for the town. JOHN MILES WHERE TO WATCH 1 Start your visit with the well named wood, Sea Wood, which is a 75-acre area by the sea, appropriately enough! The trails through here should give you a great mix of woodland species such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Treecreeper. The summer warblers are mixed, with Chiffchaff, Willow and Garden Warbler, Blackcap, and an assortment of finches such that can include Bullfinch, Chaffinch and Redpoll. 2…

In association with os.uk/osm MAX MILES ON FOOT: 5.5 MIN TIME: 3 HOURS Black Dog is a village we've visited before, but this time we're exploring habitats south of the village and heading to tiny Woolfardisworthy, where the jewel in the crown of the walk was an encounter with crossbills. Pronounced ‘Woolsery', there are, surprisingly, two villages with the same odd name in Devon – this one sometimes has ‘East' added to distinguish it from the one to the north-west. The walk threads through beautiful, pastoral countryside, which may not throw up many rarities, but there's still plenty on offer – and don't miss the blue and gold ceiling of Woolfardisworthy's lovely church. SIMONE STANBROOK-BYRNE WHERE TO WATCH 1 From the centre of Black Dog follow the lane for Puddington,…

It's presumptuous, if not impertinent, to make assertions about the life of another animal. But I'm going to, anyway. The Common Scoter has one of the cushiest existences of any bird anywhere. Why would this be? Well, the Common Scoter taps into two insanely rich ecosystems, one while breeding and the other during the rest of the year. During breeding it heads to the arctic, where in typical years there is such an abundance of food that almost anything that can breathe should prosper. Once reproduction is over, it splashes down on shallow seas with a wondrously rich seafood restaurant just a short dive below it. It stays put for months on end, almost ridiculously well satisfied, until the year turns and it deigns to fly north again. Its early…

● The route between the Ebro Delta and the Pyrenees via Secans de Lleida “is the European birdwatching destination with the greatest diversity of birds in the smallest area”. Find out more at: birdingebrepirineus.com/en ● See also: When and Where to Watch Birds in Catalunya, Ricard Gutierrez, 2017, from tundraediciones. es. The Catalan Tourist Board, catalunya.com, publish A Guide to Birdwatching Holidays. ● Online: ebrodeltabirding.com;terresdelebre.travel/en; sebes.cat; aralleida.cat/en/birding In Catalan, but mostly graphics: sioc.cat (bird distribution); dades.ornitho.cat/llistes/UPUEPO/2025 (phenology). ● Delta Birding Festival Think shrink-wrapped Global Birdfair, mostly in Spanish, with Flamingos. You could visit next year and combine it with some Catalonian birdwatching. 2026 dates are 18-20 September. See: deltabirdingfestival.com ● To get the best out of it – local guides A good English-speaking local guide will help you make the…

Time is often the biggest constraint we face as bird photographers. Between work, family, and the famously unreliable UK weather, finding time for the camera can feel impossible. Whole days in the field are rare luxuries, but limited time needn't stop us producing strong images. In fact, a couple of hours in the right place at the right time can often be more productive than long days when nothing seems to align. This year my time has been particularly tight. I can count on one hand the occasions I've had the luxury of a full day out. But with some careful planning, there's usually a way to steal a couple of hours here and there. That may mean sticking to local spots, but familiarity with a place – its species,…

ENDEMIC BY JAMES HARDING MORRIS BLOOMSBURY, HB, £20 BOOK OF THE MONTH James sets out to try to find all the species in Britain which can only be seen on these islands. Maybe it is easy to see Red Grouse, but what about Scottish Crossbill, for example? Of course, we are limited by how many birds we have, but the journeys he made and the people he met on the way give the book a nice feel. Plants are well covered, too, but I was amazed to discover omitted species such as Tyne and Lindisfarne Helloborine. The habitats mentioned alone are worth reading about, and this book could make you want to get out and look for some, if not all, of these species. NO ISLAND TOO FAR BY MICHAEL…

In association with Highlights A Zitting Cisticola was reported at Lewes, East Sussex, 22nd – part of the ‘new invasion'? A Pacific Golden Plover was at Seasalter, Kent, on 28th. Earlier at Seasalter, there was a Kentish Plover (20th). BEDFORDSHIRE HIGHLIGHTS: A Wood Warbler was at The Lodge (25th). A Pied Flycatcher was at Warden Warren (8th). A Glossy Ibis flew over Priory CP (18th) and was at Meadow Lane GP (20th). Black Terns included two at Brogborough Lake (8th-9th), two at Priory CP (9th-20th), and one at Grovebury Sand Pit (21st). Two Black-necked Grebes were at Priory CP (9th). A Wood Sandpiper was at Broom GP (8th-11th), with a Garganey there (8th-21st). Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245…

In association with Highlights Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland/Leicestershire, had a great month, producing Red-backed Shrike, Baird's Sandpiper and Pectoral Sandpiper. Meanwhile, nearby Rutland Water's best bird of the month was an obliging Grey Phalarope by the dam. GLOUCESTERSHIRE COTSWOLDS: A Wryneck was at France Lynch, Stroud (11th). The Cotswold Lakes had an Osprey (6th), four Ringed Plovers, two Black-tailed Godwits, eight Ruff, a Knot, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, six Common Sandpipers, seven Green Sandpipers, eight Cattle Egrets, five Great White Egrets, a Little Gull (7th), and three Black Terns (10th). The Shorncote area had three Little Ringed Plovers, five Green Sandpipers, and a Marsh Harrier. An Osprey flew over Cirencester (4th). Kingscote had a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (1st), and Osprey (5th). Nailsworth and the Chavenage Lane area had an Osprey, Marsh Harrier,…

In association with Highlights Probably the rarest bird in the region, this month, was a Red-throated Pipit seen flying south over Marshside RSPB, Lancashire, on 22nd. The coast produced a good smattering of Grey Phalaropes, Sabine's Gulls and Leach's Petrels. CHESHIRE HIGHLIGHTS: Around 30 Glossy Ibises were at Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB (5th). Other Glossy Ibis sightings came from Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB and Sandbach Flashes. A juvenile Sabine's Gull was at Hilbre Island (15th), with other sightings at Leasowe (16th), New Brighton (16th), Seacombe (16th) and Wallasey (16th). A Grey Phalarope was at Leasowe (16th), with one at Meols (21st), and one at Red Rocks (22nd). Hoylake had Leach's Storm Petrels (12th-13th). Leach's Storm Petrels were also at Wallasey (13th-16th), Hilbre Island (13th-16th), Leasowe (13th), New Brighton (16th-17th), Meols…

In association with Highlights Late month Shetland megas included Black-faced Bunting, Siberian Thrush and Eastern Bonelli's Warbler. Meanwhile in the Outer Hebrides, a Lesser Kestrel was on St Kilda and a Swainson's Thrush on Barra. ARGYLL TIREE: A White Stork (Tiree's first) roamed West Tiree (16th-23rd). A Melodious Warbler was at Balephuil (1st-4th). Loch a' Phuill had a Baird's Sandpiper (14th), and two Glossy Ibises (8th-19th). A Barred Warbler was at Balephuil (18th), with a probable at Scarinish (5th). An American Golden Plover was at Balevullin (12th). Buff-breasted Sandpipers were at Clachan (4th), and Crossapol (15th). Pectoral Sandpipers were at Balinoe (1st-10th), and Loch a' Phuill (12th-13th). A Spotted Redshank was at Gott Bay (7th). There was an influx of seven Black Terns (9th-12th). Scarcities included a dead Chough, two…

Growing up in Worcestershire, I always wanted to be a naturalist, inspired by butterflies and wild flowers but, oddly, not birds. They seemed too difficult, perhaps not helped by my shortsightedness. By high school, I had fixated on fungi and mosses, becoming the odd one out on fifth form biology club trips to Norfolk, where I was the only one without binoculars, more interested in the reedbed than the birds in it, and by the mould in the mustard pot of the transport café we had stopped at for breakfast. Years later, I spent two decades advising on ecological issues on canals where, not surprisingly, I discovered a whole new world of birds, including commissioning actual proper birders to undertake Waterway Bird Surveys. Through them I discovered many new species…