Friday 16th March 2007
	Two new rarities were found today a White-billed Diver seen close inshore from Whalsay, Shetland and yet another Lesser Scaup in Ireland, this time a drake at Lough Erne in County Cavan. The Red-breasted Geese were seen again in Norfolk for the first time in a couple of days. The Pacific Diver was also seen again in Pembrokeshire and the Snowy Owl on Lewis was also located for the first time in a few days. Other long-staying rarities included the elusive Gyr Falcon, the White-billed Diver, Spotted Sandpiper and Dusky Warbler all still in Cornwall and the Laughing Gull in Devon. Away from the South-west the Long-billed Dowitcher remained in Essex, as did the Glossy Ibis in Lancashire. Spring migrants continue to arrive with Sand Martins and Chiffchaffs now being recorded on most local patches southwards from the midlands. A notable arrival of Wheatears today included at least 20 at Portland, Dorset.
-  Simon Mitchell, RBA