Wednesday 26th June 2013
	The White-throated Needletail on the Isle of Harris, Western Isles, widely dubbed "bird of the century" by many of the birders who connected, remained over Loch Direcleit from mid morning until early afternoon, where it showed exceptionally well, often flying within inches of the gathered crowd. It flew south at 12.30pm, around five minutes before the first boat passengers arrived on site, but was relocated just over two hours later, over moorland a little further south. The day took an unexpected and, for many, upsetting turn when, at around 5.45pm, the swift collided with the only wind turbine in the south of the island, and was picked up dead a few minutes later. A Black-winged Pratincole on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent was the only new rarity discovered today. It was first located at 11.40am, although it was distant and mobile, last being seen at 4pm when it flew off west. Lingering rarities seen today included the breeding Little Bitterns at Ham Wall RSPB, Somerset, Bonaparte's Gull at Oare Marshes KWT, Kent, King Eider on the Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire and Glossy Ibis at Marloes Mere, Pembrokeshire.
-  Will Soar, RBA