Pallid Harrier (juv f), N Herts, Sept 2018
A visitor that went from Mega to regular annual rarity as it spread West across Europe. With males already seen 'skydancing' here, soon it could replace Montagu's which maintains a toehold as a (now intermittent) UK breeding species. #BirdsA-Z #Birding
A visitor that went from Mega to regular annual rarity as it spread West across Europe. With males already seen 'skydancing' here, soon it could replace Montagu's which maintains a toehold as a (now intermittent) UK breeding species. #BirdsA-Z #Birding
September 26, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Paddyfield Pipit, Land's End area, Nov 2019
A jaw-dropping record of this sedentary cryptic Asian pipit that was assessed and controversially not accepted as likely naturally-occurring. But they've reached the Middle East Oct-Dec & must be hugely under recorded. Let's hope it's upgraded. #BirdsA-Z
A jaw-dropping record of this sedentary cryptic Asian pipit that was assessed and controversially not accepted as likely naturally-occurring. But they've reached the Middle East Oct-Dec & must be hugely under recorded. Let's hope it's upgraded. #BirdsA-Z
September 24, 2026 at 8:53 AM
Paddyfield Pipit, Land's End area, Nov 2019
A jaw-dropping record of this sedentary cryptic Asian pipit that was assessed and controversially not accepted as likely naturally-occurring. But they've reached the Middle East Oct-Dec & must be hugely under recorded. Let's hope it's upgraded. #BirdsA-Z
A jaw-dropping record of this sedentary cryptic Asian pipit that was assessed and controversially not accepted as likely naturally-occurring. But they've reached the Middle East Oct-Dec & must be hugely under recorded. Let's hope it's upgraded. #BirdsA-Z
Pallid Swift (juv), Suffolk, November 2018
1 of 2 I went for, the other bird falling victim out of sight to a Sparrowhawk during my visit. Another former mega rarity, this sp turns up on S winds late Oct-Nov, sometimes in numbers. A tough ID, tho' Common Swifts have usually left by then #BirdsA-Z
1 of 2 I went for, the other bird falling victim out of sight to a Sparrowhawk during my visit. Another former mega rarity, this sp turns up on S winds late Oct-Nov, sometimes in numbers. A tough ID, tho' Common Swifts have usually left by then #BirdsA-Z
September 27, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Pallid Swift (juv), Suffolk, November 2018
1 of 2 I went for, the other bird falling victim out of sight to a Sparrowhawk during my visit. Another former mega rarity, this sp turns up on S winds late Oct-Nov, sometimes in numbers. A tough ID, tho' Common Swifts have usually left by then #BirdsA-Z
1 of 2 I went for, the other bird falling victim out of sight to a Sparrowhawk during my visit. Another former mega rarity, this sp turns up on S winds late Oct-Nov, sometimes in numbers. A tough ID, tho' Common Swifts have usually left by then #BirdsA-Z
Pacific Diver (1st w), N Yorks, Jan 2007
A 5th diver sp on the British List was not on the radar for many back in 2007 but it soon became apparent this subtle species was hiding in plain sight. Increased observer awareness resulted in annual records, often involving faithful long stayers #BirdsA-Z
A 5th diver sp on the British List was not on the radar for many back in 2007 but it soon became apparent this subtle species was hiding in plain sight. Increased observer awareness resulted in annual records, often involving faithful long stayers #BirdsA-Z
September 22, 2026 at 8:07 AM
Pacific Diver (1st w), N Yorks, Jan 2007
A 5th diver sp on the British List was not on the radar for many back in 2007 but it soon became apparent this subtle species was hiding in plain sight. Increased observer awareness resulted in annual records, often involving faithful long stayers #BirdsA-Z
A 5th diver sp on the British List was not on the radar for many back in 2007 but it soon became apparent this subtle species was hiding in plain sight. Increased observer awareness resulted in annual records, often involving faithful long stayers #BirdsA-Z
Pacific Golden Plover (ad m breeding), Frampton RSPB, July 2021 - Formerly treated as conspecific with American Golden Plover under the species name 'Lesser Golden Plover' this long-legged Asian sp is annual in mid-late Summer, though I have found one in late autumn too. #BirdsA-Z #Birding
September 23, 2026 at 7:34 AM
Osprey (juv), Cambridge, Sept 2024
Well known globally cosmopolitan fish specialist.
This long staying juvenile was great value and prompted the park owners to erect a nest platform. Another platform at Grafham Water followed. Will Osprey soon be breeding in the county? #BirdsA-Z #Birding
Well known globally cosmopolitan fish specialist.
This long staying juvenile was great value and prompted the park owners to erect a nest platform. Another platform at Grafham Water followed. Will Osprey soon be breeding in the county? #BirdsA-Z #Birding
September 19, 2026 at 6:43 AM
Ovenbird, Scilly, October 2004
Unfortunately a little out of focus, but my only shot. Just the 4th record for Britain of this N American warbler species. Clearly ill, it was taken into care but sadly died, at around the same time a Cream-coloured Courser there suffered a similar fate. #BirdsA-Z
Unfortunately a little out of focus, but my only shot. Just the 4th record for Britain of this N American warbler species. Clearly ill, it was taken into care but sadly died, at around the same time a Cream-coloured Courser there suffered a similar fate. #BirdsA-Z
September 20, 2026 at 8:57 AM
Ovenbird, Scilly, October 2004
Unfortunately a little out of focus, but my only shot. Just the 4th record for Britain of this N American warbler species. Clearly ill, it was taken into care but sadly died, at around the same time a Cream-coloured Courser there suffered a similar fate. #BirdsA-Z
Unfortunately a little out of focus, but my only shot. Just the 4th record for Britain of this N American warbler species. Clearly ill, it was taken into care but sadly died, at around the same time a Cream-coloured Courser there suffered a similar fate. #BirdsA-Z
Ortolan Bunting (1st w), Waxham Sands, Oct 2018
Despite seeing half a dozen or so in the UK, I have yet to see this continental species here well enough to get a decent shot! Migration peaks Aug-Sept & they're elusive by nature; luckily I've seen them much better abroad. #BirdsA-Z #Birding
Despite seeing half a dozen or so in the UK, I have yet to see this continental species here well enough to get a decent shot! Migration peaks Aug-Sept & they're elusive by nature; luckily I've seen them much better abroad. #BirdsA-Z #Birding
September 18, 2026 at 9:11 AM