RARITY PREDICTOR

Just like last year and the years before, we will be making monthly ‘predictions’ of extreme rarities this month and onwards...

HARLEQUIN DUCK

Of the nearly 50 UK records of the spectacular Harlequin Duck, the vast majority were in Scotland, particularly Aberdeenshire, Highland and the Northern Isles; and at least six were in January. Don’t expect a mindblowing drake, though, as most have been more toned-down first-winters and females.

CEDAR WAXWING

The smaller, North American waxwing is a very rare visitor to the UK, with only nine accepted records. The records were primarily in summer, but winter birds have occurred (like the famous long-staying, 1996 bird in Nottingham). Don’t forget to grill those Waxwing flocks!

SLATY-BACKED GULL

There has only been one accepted UK record of this gull from the Pacific, in London at Rainham and Pitsea Landfills in January and February 2011. Big, and pink-legged, like a mix between a Lesser and a Great Black-backed Gull, with a broad white trailing edge and angry, smudgy face.