Rose-coloured Starling in Norwich

Cricket fans occasionally recall the comment made by tail-ender George Hirst to his number 10 partner as he arrived at the crease (with fifteen runs still required against a ferocious Australian attack) "We'll get them in singles!" And they did!

That's kind of been the story of my recent bird chases: three snatched sessions in the field, three terrific additions to the year list! I chased after Rose-coloured Starlings after seeing both the Caspian Tern and - the following day - the Blyth's Reed Warbler, but failed to connect. This afternoon, just as the drizzle started, the pager announced an adult bird was showing in a small estate just ten minute's drive from my front door. Linda was critically busy with the bees, so I rushed off alone. I soon found the right spot, not the least because chum Keith Bilverstone was already there looking at the bird!

A terrific half an hour followed, with some good views of a delightfully pink adult bird - as good as the Wells individual a few years back. As it grew damper and colder, the Starling seemed to drop down to roost, so I returned home. Of course, Linda had finished and was keen to have a look, so we went straight back. Eventually (and unfortunately after Strumpshaw regular Nick had given up) we found the Starling in a lilac bush in the next road.

It was wonderful to be able to point the bird out to children, parents and teachers of the nearby Falcon Road School: several of them trotted off and returned with binoculars!