Farewell 2015 and welcome in the New Year

Not a classic maybe but 2015 had some moments to remember and 8 BBRC rarities, while not quite as good as recent years, it was not to be sniffed at. The two highlights of the Spring were probably the Black Stork and the Swainson's Thrush. Few people got to see the wandering Stork but Skokholm's Swainson's was viewed by many in a ground-breaking and superbly-well organised twitch. Wardens Rich and Giselle did us proud. In the Autumn, three Black-headed Buntings were good value as were Barolo Shearwater and Long-billed Dowitcher though the real 'biggie' was a strange one. A Cedar Waxwing was the first for the County but unfortunately found dead at Treginnis. Part of a mini influx into Britain around that time, how long before we get to enjoy a living, breathing example? Maybe 2016? Why not after all? There are bound to be some real surprises in store for us, that's the nature of rarity hunting and birding generally in a place of avian opportunity like Pembrokeshire. Roll on the new year!