12th Oct Snow Bunting

Strange how ships can pass in the night over a period of years without ever being aware of each other. Such has been the case with Essex birdwatchers Julian and Maggie Bowden and the North Devon-based Lundy bird recorders Tim Davis and Tim Jones. Julian and Maggie's visits date back to at least 1979 when they were on the island, as was TimD, when Britain's second Rüppell's Warbler turned up on 1 June. They didn't meet then and although all four have visited in most autumns since, it was only this year that they got to know each other, largely thanks to the year's third Yellow-browed Warbler, which Julian finally clapped eyes on near Quarry Pond.

On 12th Oct Julian and Maggie walked to North End, encountering a Snow Bunting in the vehicle turning circle above the steps down to the light. Maggie, never without her camera while out and about the island, took several shots, including the lovely portrait below.

Snow Bunting, North End. © Maggie Bowden