The world of birdwatching is often punctuated by moments of sheer excitement, and yesterday was one of those days. News rippled through the birding community about a Blue Rock Thrush sighting in Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire. This species, typically found across Europe and Asia, is a rare and captivating visitor to the UK, instantly sparking the interest of avid birders, or “twitchers,” across the country. The initial reports, as often happens with rare bird sightings, came with some debate about the bird’s condition, with early whispers suggesting a possible droopy wing or foot issue. However, undeterred by the rumors, the allure of seeing this striking bird was too strong to resist.
My family has a history with this particular species. My parents and older sister, Ayesha, were fortunate enough to see a Blue Rock Thrush on the Isles of Scilly back in 1999 – a legendary twitch in our family history, often recounted with enthusiasm. The last twitchable Blue Rock Thrush in the UK was in 2000, long before I started birding, making this sighting even more significant. Quickly gathering as much information as possible and studying images of the bird en route, it became clear that the bird appeared to be in excellent condition. The decision was made: a twitch to Stow-on-the-Wold was on the cards for the very next day. A late arrival home at 1 am meant a relaxed start to the morning, but the relatively short 1.5-hour drive to Gloucestershire from home was a welcome change compared to some of our more epic birding journeys.
| Blue Rock Thrush perched on a Cotswold stone roof in Stow-on-the-Wold, UK |
Arriving in Stow-on-the-Wold on a cold but beautifully sunny morning, we joined other birders eager to catch a glimpse of this avian gem. And we were not disappointed. The first-year male Blue Rock Thrush presented itself beautifully, allowing us to observe it for a couple of hours. It was indeed a lovely bird, and crucially, appeared to be in robust health. Any earlier concerns about its wing or foot proved unfounded; it seemed perfectly fine. Its behaviour further confirmed its identity and origin. Blue Rock Thrushes are known to inhabit rocky areas of Asia and Europe, and this individual was exhibiting typical fly-catching behaviour, consistent with birds of its kind. Its arrival, coinciding with other Asian bird species being sighted in the region, further strengthened the understanding of its migratory journey.
| Detailed view of a first-year male Blue Rock Thrush showcasing its blue-grey plumage and strong beak in Stow-on-the-Wold |
This Blue Rock Thrush sighting was not only a personal thrill but also a fantastic addition to the UK’s birdwatching scene. For me, personally, it marked another milestone, bringing my British bird list to an impressive 466 species. Each new bird added to the list is a testament to the incredible diversity of avian life and the excitement of discovery that birdwatching brings.
