Variety within each issue has long been one of the key objectives of the BB monthly schedule, so it is always pleasing to have a magazine as diverse as this one. The main papers take us on a mazy journey, from the changing status of the magnificent White-billed Diver, via the review of two historical records of the Downy Woodpecker, to the breeding behaviour of one of our most widespread raptors, the Common Kestrel; there, surely, is something for everyone. Of all the fine illustrations accompanying them, Richard Allen’s interpretation of what a vagrant Downy Woodpecker might look like, recently arrived on the coast of Cornwall, is a particular highlight for me. The relatively large section of short notes contains an eclectic mix of unusual bird behaviour and ecology, another BB trademark. There is much to be said for just sitting, and watching, something I always mean to do more of. The mute button on your phone helps enormously!
Roger Riddington
190 BB eye: ‘If it flies, it dies’ Ellen Burnside and Nicholas Pamment
193 News and comment Adrian Pitches
198 The White-billed Diver in Britain: its changing status and identification challenges Christopher McInerny and Ken Shaw
211 A review of records of Downy Woodpecker in Britain Robert Prŷs-Jones, Hein van Grouw and Philip Schofield
217 Breeding behaviour of Common Kestrels in southern England Richard Sale, Lydia Newberry, Simon Newberry and Nathan Sale
227 Obituaries
230 Letters
233 Notes
240 Reviews
243 Recent reports
245 My patch
