Dear Martin....

I got another letter. I haven't actually asked if I can post this here, so I'm compelled to assume it's OK. But just in case, I'll hide the identity so that no one will EVER guess unless they already know.

Well done with Marsh Warbler, it's a good bird to find. Been good here recently, a good scatter of scarcies. Have found multiples of RB Shrike, Icky & Rosefinch; single Bluethroat (in the garden last week), Marsh Warbler, Quail, Hen Harrier, several GH Wags etc. Best find a smart Rustic Bunting last night. Have also seen Tawny Pipit, Surf Scoter, King Eider, 2 Temmincks together. And Black Stork (just), the only tick. A better spring than many/most, and still only 2nd June! 'RR from Shetland'

That was enough to persuade me that something more could perhaps be squeezed out of Newtonhill's spring, and with a bit of drizzle and SE breeze overnight, what would the early morning bring???

ha ha. Early morning brought fog, turning to heavy mist before settling in for the day as a majestic pea-souper. I wasn't going to be picking out those distant white-dot Lesser Grey Shrikes, for a start. Still... needs must when the devil is drunk on meths. All the usual stuff around - and a nice quiet morning when I could make some recordings, but nothing to write home about. Sedge Warblers are pairing up I notice. That's nice for them.