Sunday 23rd December 2012
	The highlight of the day was the reappearance of the Black Duck in Highland, on Loch Sunart at Strontain. First noted at this site on 16th-17th June 2007, it showed here again in 2011; on 6th-26th June and 6th October. Lingering rarities confirmed as still present today comprised the American Buff-bellied Pipit in Berkshire, Northern Harrier and an American Golden Plover in County Wexford, single Lesser Scaups in both Cornwall and Somerset, and Glossy Ibis in both Hampshire and Pembrokeshire. Scarcities included Rose-coloured Starling (Devon), Rough-legged Buzzard (Norfolk), Cattle Egret (County Donegal), Great Grey Shrike (Surrey), Lapland Bunting (two in East Yorkshire), American Wigeon (Norfolk and West Yorkshire), Surf Scoter (County Kerry and Pembrokeshire), Ring-necked Duck (Cornwall, County Mayo, Isles of Scilly (3) and Somerset), and Ring-billed Gull (County Cork, County Kerry and County Wexford).
-  Chris Batty, RBA