Varied Thrush fundraiser, Papa Westray

On Wednesday 27th October, Britain's 2nd Varied Thrush was found on the island of Papa Westray, Orkney feeding around the house of Links. Found in the forests of the Pacific North West, the species is an exceptionally rare vagrant within the western palearctic, with the only other record, outside of the two to have now occurred in Britain being a bird found in Iceland in May 2004.

As expected, the bird has proved very popular with visiting birders making the long journey North, with numerous islanders providing much appreciated help and assistance. An extra special mention has to be made to Sue and Tony Curtis, whose garden and surrounding lawns the bird is frequenting, and have been simply brilliant. From myself and all visiting birders, a heartfelt thank you.

Donations received online will be combined with those, already kindly donated via the on site collection bucket and split two ways, with half going to a local charity, to be decided upon by the folk of Papay and the rest to Bird Conservation Nepal. A county whose, birds and people will forever hold a special place in my heart.