Stow-on-the-Wold surprises

31 Dec - One of the most unexpected finds of 2016 must be the male Blue Rock Thrush currently residing in the Cotswolds at Stow. I joined the crowds and had reasonable views of the bird, although the dull weather did not show off the blue plumage. I think the bird is probably wild, as it is unringed, and many other eastern vagrants have made it to our shores this autumn in the exceptional run of easterly winds. The urban habitat is not out of character as the species winters in villages in southern Europe. I've seen quite a few in Spain, but nice to see one in the UK! Also present in Stow were 2 mobile Waxwings, one of which settled in a rowan tree for a few minutes and allowed good views, a real bonus. The last birds of 2016! A very good 12 months, with amazing trips to the Hebrides and the Galapagos Islands during the year, and outstanding experiences and memories. Let's see what 2017 brings.......