Thursday 6th July 2006
	The day started in superb fashion as a Semipalmated Sandpiper was identified at Back Saltholme Pool (Cleveland). The bird had been present yesterday evening but at the time it was not seen well enough for the identification to be clinched. It showed well throughout the day and represents the third record for Cleveland. Intriguing news from Essex concerned a male Pine Grosbeak that has been frequenting a garden somewhere near Ongar since Saturday. However, the time of year, combined with its' scruffy plumage and worn legs would all point to it being an escape. In Mainland Shetland a Bee-eater flew over Virkie, and in the Western Isles an adult Rose-coloured Starling was found at the south-west end of Harris (Western Isles). The first UK Cory's Shearwaters of the season were logged off Porthgwarra (Cornwall) in a brief afternoon seawatch and a pelagic off Scilly once again produced a Wilson's Petrel. The singing male Great Reed Warbler remained at the Loch of Kinnordy RSPB reserve (Angus) and the Great White Egret was again reported from Blashford Lakes HWT reserve (Hants).
-  Richard Moores, RBA