Rarest bird

[Wild-Woman]

Hope this is the first time this has been asked. Apologies if it already has. What is the rarest bird that anyone on WAB has seen? I have often wondered about the Dartford warbler. I live not too far from Dartford. Anyone seen one? The rarest I've seen was when a mediterranean gull was pointed out to me. I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference. A curious, Saturday morning Wild-Woman. :-)

[Oy]

Recently I saw a Robin that didn't want to pose for a photograph!

[Wolfhill]

Hi Wild-Woman I haven't seen a Dartford warbler as i live in the wrong country but i have seen White-tailed Sea Eagles and a flock of our breeding Snowbuntings there are only about 160 birds.
Fergus

[rlchew]

I have been birdwatching for over 40 years and have been very fortunate to see 315 different species in the UK including several rare visitors to the UK and rare UK residents.

The rarest? ....

That has to be Sociable Plover which is now apparently globally endangered. I have been lucky enough to see this bird in 1990, 1991 and 1993 and again most recently at Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve in December of last year.

As far as UK resident birds are concerned, probably Capercaillie (only one fleeting glimpse last year at the RSPB Loch Garten organised watch ), Bittern (several .... but always fleeting glimpses! ) and White-tailed Eagle (excellent sightings for the last 2 years at the Loch Frisa organised watch on Mull ).

Richard

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

.... I have often wondered about the Dartford warbler. I live not too far from Dartford. Anyone seen one? ....

I should also have mentioned that living fairly close to Dartford but on the Essex side of the Thames, you are unlikely to see Dartford Warblers here although one over-wintering bird has been reported at East Tilbury on a number of occasions.

I manage to see them most years but do so by travelling to Chobham Common in Surrey or Arne RSPB reserve in Dorset.

I would imagine that any of the heathland habitats in Surrey or Dorset would have Dartford Warblers plus the New Forest in Hampshire. However, they can be difficult to find and I always finding listening out for their call (once you have learnt it!) on a sunny, still day often helps.

Richard

[Kev Lewis]

Can I offer this bird as being the rarest one? A Hybrid Buzzard and Stonechat




sorry I woke up in a happy mood and I couldn't help myself lol and they say the camera never lies! yeah right

[Alan]

For me it's the famous American Robin that was in residence for a couple of months in Grimsby, a couple of years ago. Unfortunately it was eventually nabbed by a Sparrowhawk in full view of a large crowd of not very impressed twitchers!

[nicole]

Hiya Wild-Woman.

Iv seen a black redstart, perhaps not the rarest, but I was amazed to see 1 a few seasons ago in my garden whilst i was sitting in me deckchair with a glass of cider one warm spring afternoon....Now thats what I call bird-watching..heehee

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by nicole

.... sitting in me deckchair with a glass of cider one warm spring afternoon....Now thats what I call bird-watching ....

Now, a thread to record sightings whilst having a drink would undoubtedly throw up some extremely interesting claims!!

Perhaps even a Buzzard/Stonechat hybrid Klewis?

Richard

[Wild-Woman]

I would like to see a Golden Oriole. But I think thats very unlikely.ww