Thursday 28th September 2006
	Another slow day considering the time of year with just a trio of new rarities discovered. A Red-rumped Swallow flew west over Beeston Bump, Sheringham (Norfolk) but despite the news being broadcast quickly no other birders down the coast managed to connect. Co. Kerry continued its' excellent September with a juvenile American Golden Plover briefly at Smerwick Harbour. Also in Kerry, the Azorean Yellow-legged Gull was on show again at Carrahane Strand, the two adult Bonaparte's Gulls (at Inch Strand and  Kilshannig) again put in appearances, but there was no sign of the Citrine Wagtail at Derrymore. The final new rarity was in Scilly where a Red-throated Pipit pitched up on St. Mary's during the early evening. Scilly also turned up a new Tawny Pipit and Common Rosefinch while lingering birds on the isles include the Bonelli's Warbler species, Subalpine Warbler, Hoopoe, Rose-coloured Starling, Ortolan Bunting, Yellow-browed Warbler and a couple of Red-backed Shrikes amongst other species.  Lingering rarities included the Rustic Bunting on Foula, Blyth's Reed Warbler on North Ronaldsay, Pallid Harrier in Norfolk, Long-billed Dowitcher in Worcestershire, Turkestan Shrike in Western Isles, Snowy Owl in Co. Mayo, while in Co. Cork the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler showed up again on Cape Clear. Meanwhile the Dorset Marbled Duck decided to change behaviour completely and frustrate would be watchers and photographers by becoming elusive for the majority of the day.  Other new birds worthy of note included a Red-breasted Flycatcher in Dorset, Wryneck in London, Sabine's Gulls off Norfolk and Bardsey Island and two Little Buntings on North Ronaldsay.  Intriguing news from France where both a Swainson's Thrush and Grey-cheeked Thrush were found on Ouessant island today. Are these the forerunner for some quality Yanks in the south-west?
-  Richard Moores, RBA