This Slavonian Grebe was a pleasant surprise on a pre-breakfast stroll down to the North Haven @FI_Obs

Buff-bellied (or American, to use the new name) Pipit on the Houll, Fair Isle, yesterday.

Decent views this morning of the two Temminck's Stints at Dernford Reservoir, Cambs. So timy - dwarfed by Pied Wagtails! Wood Sandpiper and Ruff also present.

Migration was very apparent on the local patch today, with at least four of these Willow Warblers and ten Chiffchaffs around Wilbury Hill, Letchworth. Over 120 Swallows, 35 House Martins and 3-plus Sand Martins over the fields, plus c.10 Yellow Wagtails @Hertsbirds

Considerable patience or plenty of luck are the requirements for those hoping to see the juvenile Cuckoo being fed by its Reed Warbler 'parents' at Fowlmere RSPB. It took me 4 hours for good views this morning. Juv Water Rail was easier.

My views of the fabulous Gloucs /Oxon Long-tailed Shrike were adequate but distant last Sunday, so I went back for seconds today - much better. Many thanks to the farmer and volunteers who have made it all possible - especially the super-efficient parking.

Some aggressive Jays helped me to see something new at the weekend - the Tawny Owl's nictitating membrane - the translucent third eyelid that closes sideways across the eye to protect it from threats or debris. You can see it half-closed in this photo #Owls

Super 5-minute show from a Hobby at RSPB Fowlmere on Friday evening. Lovely views from the Reedbed Hide

Many thanks and congrats to Rob Laughton for relocating the fabulous Western Reef Heron next to Caernarfon Castle early this morning. Saved a lot of birders from spending all day searching yesterday's location 2 miles away at Foryd Bay. Great work!

Lovely local birding this evening, with this Tawny Owl here in Letchworth Garden City. Many thanks to the homeowner, who kindly allowed me onto her driveway for a good view (from appropriate distance, of course).

Letchworth - Cuckoo heard briefly at 10.00 this morning in set-aside SE of Icknield Way / Stotfold Rd junction. This scrub is full of Whitethroats now, plus at least 1 Lesser Whitethroat @Hertsbirds #hertsbirds maps.app.goo.gl/fntA4Jn4A7Di…

This female Whinchat was a pleasing surprise in one of the more mundane corners of my Hitchin Lavender patch this morning. On the Icknield Way path c400m E of the railway bridge @Hertsbirds #hertsbirds

A very enjoyable hour this morning with the four Wood Sandpipers at King's Mead near the middle of Hertford @Hertsbirds #hertsbirds

Second helpings of the Fillingham Great Grey Shrike on Friday afternoon. Occasionally came quite close and did a couple of mins of its hovering hunting technique. Plus bonus Barn Owl.

The three Snow Buntings were showing beautifully on the 'back' beach at Landguard Point, Felixstowe, this afternoon.

The 3 Snow Buntings were showing beautifully on the 'back' beach at Landguard Point, Felixstowe, on Saturday afternoon.

Some of the 25 Snow Buntings at Cairngorm Ski car park at 3.30 today. They eventually appeared (after quite a bit if searching) flying in from the hillside to the seeded area at the stone steps.

Tremendous seaduck-watching at beautiful Dornoch beach this afternoon, with the 1st-winter King Eider the star of the show. Also two Surf Scoter, hundreds of Long-tailed Ducks and Common Scotet and a few Velvet Scoter. Quite a spectacle.

A visit to the Highlands and a bonus in the form of this Ross's Goose in the Pinkfeet flock at Muir of Ord, west of Inverness @RareBirdAlertUK

An orange-bellied cracker from Central Asia - the Eastern Black Redstart at Sheringham on Saturday @RareBirdAlertUK