Find your own Locustellas

Though locally distributed, particularly in the south of Britain, Grasshopper Warbler breeds in suitable habitat in many lowland locations, though declines have been evident. Wet or damp grassland is favoured, though scattered bushes are tolerated and young conifer plantations and forest clearings by running water also used. Away from spring, when their distinctive reeling song gives away males, ‘Groppers’ are feasible almost anywhere, but far harder to locate.

The other two species are substantially rarer, but persistence and luck using the techniques described earlier will surely add to the number of mainland records of either. The vast majority of the 130 accepted Lanceolated Warbler records are from Shetland, and you are most likely to come across one of these on Fair Isle. Most listers spend time staying at the bird observatory in the most productive period for this species in late September, but it might take several attempts before one is pinned down.

Otherwise, you will need even greater amounts of luck, as the few non-Shetland birds have appeared almost exclusively on the east coast in the vast stretch between Aberdeenshire and Suffolk. Again, the search techniques at the beginning of this guide are your best resort.

Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler is even rarer, with just 46 accepted British records (and two Irish), and 80% of them from Shetland. Even more unfairly, you are more likely to catch up with this little creeper in October, so a return visit may be necessary even if you do score a ‘Lancy’ in the prime month for that species.