Saturday 17th February 2007
	Two sightings today are likely to stimulate debate more than all the others put together. The first concerns the re-appearance of the bird considered by some to be a Pacific Diver at Llyns-y-Fran Reservoir, Pembrokeshire. Even more surprising, another possible Pacific Diver (this time an adult) was seen throughout the day off Penzance, Cornwall. Hopefully high quality photographs of both will emerge in due course, which should allow definite identification of both birds.  Long-staying rarities elsewhere provided birders with plenty to keep them busy. The Black-eared Kite undertook a bizarre early morning sortie across the wash to Gibraltar Point NNR, Lincolnshire where it was then seen to head back south before being relocated around Dersingham Bog, Norfolk . Wildfowl were well represent with the Barrow's Goldeneye still present in Forth, at least 6 Lesser Scaups reported, as well as the female Bufflehead in County Clare and the Black Scoter in Conwy. Rare waders also continued to delight including the Spotted Sandpiper in Cornwall and Long-billed Dowtichers in Kent, Anglesey and County Louth.
-  Simon Mitchell, RBA