Headlines Heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures and Storm Emma ensured a lively spell of winter weather across Britain & Ireland, including blizzard conditions in places. Ahead of the freeze an adult Ross’s Gull appeared in Dorset, while in Ireland an American Herring Gull made a brief appearance in Co. Kerry and there were some impressive counts of white-winged gulls. A new Pine Bunting in Kent would have been popular had it lingered, but generally the rarity press was dominated by long-stayers; in particular, the numbers of Hawfinches, Arctic Redpolls and Parrot Crossbills in southern parts continued to attract the crowds.