27/10/94 Worthing

Radde’s Warbler 1 ex.

21/10/94 Hayle, Cornwall

Ruddy Shelduck 6 ex.
Franklin’s Gull 1 ad. w/p ex.

Ruddy Shelducks on the Hayle (Steve Young)

The Autumn of 1994 produced a decent influx of Ruddy Shelduck with these being two of a flock of six seen on the Hayle. Despite birds associated with historical influxes of the species being afforded a place on the British list unfortunately the events of Autumn 1994 weren't enough to convince the BOURC of a wild origin for these birds.

20/10/94 Hayle & St. Agnes

Ruddy Shelduck 6 ex.

St. Agnes

YELLOW-BROWED BUNTING 1 ex.

Yellow-browed Bunting on St. Agnes (Rob Wilson)

Having heard ARK recount his finding of the Yellow-browed Bunting on Fair Isle in 1980 and RJF successfully twitching it from Scilly this mythical Far Eastern species was high on our most-wanted list. A sense of disappointment prevailed when the North Ronaldsay bird of 1992 didn't linger long enough to allow Steve Mawby's plans to fly onto the island to come to fruition. So, a chance of seeing the fourth for Britian on St. Agnes was too good to miss so we made the overnight trip on the day it was found, but we weren't alone, so had to endure a long queue before getting our chance to see it in a weedy field at the old bird observatory. Fortunately the bird performed admirably all day, and once the pressure was off, we obtained some superb views of it hopping around in the open on the ground at close range.

16/10/94 Seaforth Docks, Lancs & Rockcliffe Marsh, Cumbria

SONG SPARROW 1 ex.

Song Sparrow at Seaforth Docks (Alan Tate)

An organised twitch into the secure docks at Seaforth where everyone was kept well back from a scrap metal heap from where the bird popped out soon after dawn onto a nearby spoil heap. Views weren't close so Alan did extremely well to obtain the above image. Particularly sweet having resisted the temptation of the (successful) boat trip to Fair Isle in '89. 

Rockcliffe Marsh

GREATER YELLOWLEGS 1 ex.

First-winter Greater Yellowlegs at Rockcliffe Marsh (M. Cottam)

The chance of 'a double' hasn't presented itself very often so the chance of doubling-up Britain's seventh Song Sparrow with a Greater Yellowlegs both being found on the 15th October was very welcome.

1/10/94 Beachy

Red-breasted Flycatcher 1 Belle Tout Wood

30/9/94 Walton-on-the Naze, Essex

RED-THROATED THRUSH 1 first-winter male ex.

First-winter male Red-throated Thrush at Walton-on-the-Naze (Rob Wilson)

 

First-winter male Red-throated Thrush at Walton-on-the-Naze (Dave Stewart)

First found on the 29th I left work immediately and travelled up with JK but we spent until dark fruitlessly searching for it. Not expecting it to stay meant another early departure from work the next day(!), and after what felt like was going to be a repeat of the day before, we eventually saw it well feeding in hawthorns. Being the first for Britain, JFC left Shetland for it, and thankfully it remained it situ allowing him to see it.

25/9/94 Cuckmere

Aquatic Warbler 1 adult ex.

Adult Aquatic Warbler in the Cuckmere (Neil Morris)

On hearing of a report of an Aquatic Warbler in the Cuckmere from the day before, I left Beachy, but didn't have any idea of where to check in the Cuckmere. However, whilst walking a juncus-filled ditch, I saw a Warbler fly ahead of me and was greeted by the above beauty. Promptly putting out the news many observers managed to see this obliging bird before dusk. The streaking to its breast-sides and flanks age it as an adult.