Chestnut Bunting returns to the headlines 11 Years after my own sighting

19th October 2015 was a memorable day for British birding, when another Chestnut Bunting was found on Papa Westray in Orkney, where it remained for 11 days. I was lucky enough to see this bird myself 11 years ago, and it was eventually accepted by the BBRC.

Earlier British records of Chestnut Bunting were affected by concerns about birds from the captive bird trade. Four records have also been placed in Category E, all from Shetland. These involved a male on Foula in July 1974, a first-summer male on Fair Isle in June 1986, an adult female on Out Skerries in September 1994 and another adult female on Fair Isle in September 2002.

Now, just one day short of the 11th anniversary, Brydon Thomason found Britain's second Chestnut Bunting on Unst late on 18th October. This is a first-winter female and another exciting record for Shetland.

I've attached my original sighting of the Papa Westray bird, which was a memorable one for me and a record that was eventually accepted by the BBRC.

A Chestnut Bunting on the edge of Britain. Read more>

Chestnut Bunting Accepted – A Landmark Decision. Read more>