Reflecting on the amazing 2010 ( http://noaphotoalbum.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-what-year.html ), it seemed hard to believe that 2011 could have anywhere near as much quality. However, despite poorer numbers of common migrants and scarcities, especially in autumn, it was yet another excellent year rarities wise, with the following stand-out highlights:
COLLARED FLYCATCHER (2nd for Holme)
Hume's Warbler (1+, 2nd consecutive year)
Red-flanked Bluetail (2nd for Holme)
Desert Wheatear (2nd for Holme)
Dusky Warbler (the first for over a decade)
Caspian Tern
White-tailed Eagle (2nd for Holme)
Ross's Goose
'Northern' Harrier still (now accepted)
This list is not to mention the usual scarcities including Wryneck, Red-backed Shrike, Honey Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Wood Warbler, Sabine's Gull, Long-tailed Skua and so on.
2012 is the observatory's 50th year! Let's hope it is yet another good one to celebrate this landmark!
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