Sunday 12th November 2006
	The sensational Long-billed Murrelet continued to draw those who had a nervous day yesterday unable to reach Dawlish in time. In excess of 800 people were present this morning as the bird performed spectacularly once again, showing down to ten yards from the shore. No doubt this bird will long be remembered by all who manage to see it during its stay. In the immediate area the Long-billed Dowitcher and Spotted Sandpiper at Upper Tamar Lake, together with the Cattle Egret at the Otter Estuary NR proved popular sideshows. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by the crippling Alcid in Devon the best new bird of the day was a drake Bufflehead on Unst, Shetland. Other new birds included a Red-rumped Swallow which was sadly taken by a Sparrowhawk just 20 minutes after being found in Angus, an American Golden Plover in County Kerry and a Siberian Stonechat in Cornwall. This scattering combined with a movement of Pine Grosbeaks in Norway prove there yet be more to come from the end of the autumn. The relocated Black Kite in Lincolnshire was once again popular, as were the Red-breasted Geese in Lincolnshire and Dorset. Also seen again was the Long-billed Dowitcher in Kent and the Spotted Sandpiper in Cornwall. A good scattering of early winter scarcities included a few Green-winged Teals, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Ducks and Great Grey Shrikes.
-  Simon Mitchell, RBA