Saturday 6th January 2007
	An exciting winters day today with the discovery of Ireland's 2nd ever Bufflehead in County Clare, a Bonaparte's Gull found in Devon (although it may be the same bird that was seen nearby in early December) and a Whistling Swan reported in Lincolnshire.  Both Barrow's Goldeneyes (Forth and Co.Down) were still available for year lists this weekend, as was the Black-eared Kite in Norfolk and the recently found Lesser Scaup in Oxfordshire which proved a popular draw. Other lingering rarities included the white Gyr in Shetland, drake King Eider in Aberdeenshire, Ross's Gull in Argyll, the ever-elusive Black Scoter in Conwy, Ferruginous Duck in Kent, Cattle Egret in Devon and Spotted Sandpiper in Cornwall.  There was plenty for gull enthusiasts too look at with at least a Glaucous, Iceland Caspian or Mediterranean Gull at many gull roosts as dedicated local patch workers continue to hope to strike it lucky after the news of the disappearing Glaucous-winged Gull in December.
-  Simon Mitchell, RBA