RESEARCH- Rare British birds

Guffyowl

Hi

I'm not sure how many of you are interested in birdwatching however I was wondering if anyone could help. In my novel a detective is in his office and there are bird photos on his wall. I was an enthusiastic birdwatcher in my childhood and was able to see one of only 2 little whimbrel's (little curlew) to visit britian in Cley norfolk in 1984 and wanted to use this as one of the birds on his wall however I lost interest in my teens and just wanted to know if there have been any more rare species visted these shores that he could have on his wall.

Thank you
GuffyOwl

Phots Moll

Some birds that were once rare are now more frequently seen in the UK, so you'll need to do some research.

This site might help - http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/thisisrba.asp

or this blog - http://rarebirdsinbritain.blogspot.com/

Liz

My parents saw a hoopoe in their garden near Paignton in the early 90s. There are endemic birds that are rare, like the lesser spotted woodpecker. And there is the penduline tit, rather a pretty little tit, with a white chest, that is very rare in Britain but an increasingly, if still rarely seen visitor.

Guffyowl

Thanks Liz, saw a Hoopoe in Sheringham Norfolk in early ninties lovely bird. It is a hobby I wished I had kept up however football and other things took over, however as my daughters get older and ask me what the bird they see in the garden or park is I see how rewarding it can be to be knowledgable about nature.

Jay Mandal

You could e-mail the RSPB for information. They're very helpful.

Jediya

I know there are several, I just can't for the life of me remember them. What a terrible birdwatcher/wildlife photographer I am :S Sorry.
You can check the RSPB's website though http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide, that should have some information on sighting and distribution. You can also invest in one of the latest bird books which will have up to date information on bird statuses. Maybe even 'Birdwatch' magazine might have some helpful info.

Had a quick look around for vagrant species and found this, might be helpful, might not: http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/channel/reviewitem.asp?c=11&review=2888
Some more info on this book http://www.rarebirdbooks.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/rarebirdbooks/_DGRRV1/195920

Mutley

Year's ago we saw a sacred ibis - it must have escaped from somewhere it really shouldn't have been wandering around alone in England!