Not sure if either of these are classed as rarities, but I've seen both in the last few weeks.
The kingfisher was the highlight of a walk round the RSPB centre in Sandwell Valley yesterday. First time I have ever seen one in the wild. So beautiful and almost alien looking, from being so coloured. We witnessed it whizzing by along the water, and perching both on a bank and in an overhanging tree.
A few weeks ago, I spotted a pair of Peregrines hunting and soaring on the North Cornwall coast. They were also practicing passing prey to each other mid-flight. They, like the kingfisher, aren't the easiest birds to capture on camera!! The pigeon they were chasing got to live another day...
I'll post up some pics later, when I get them off of my camera.
Two smashing birds to see.I look forward to seeing the photos.
Absolutely - are the photos ready yet?