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IN THIS ISSUE Did you know that Spotted Sandpiper has bred in Scotland, or that Pectoral Sandpiper was recorded displaying in Britain in 2020? These are just two of the fascinating facts presented by Dr Mark Eaton as he introduces the work of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP) in the June issue of Birdwatch. Although not so rare as to be monitored by the RBBP, Spotted Flycatcher is nonetheless on a severe downward trajectory across Britain, with the species having been lost as a breeder from many areas in recent decades. But what is behind the decline, and what can be done? Catrin Eden profiles this charismatic yet increasingly scarce summer visitor. With not one but two national firsts recorded in Britain during late April and early May, spring 2023 was a thrilling time to be out birding. We’ve got exclusive finders’ accounts of both the Welsh Black-winged Kite and Northumberland’s Grey-headed Lapwing in this issue, as well as all the usual comprehensive round-ups of April’s rarities and scarcities. Large midsummer gatherings of Common Swift can be spectacular to witness – and can also hold exciting rarities within their midst. Jacob Spinks looks at the possibilities in this month’s ID guide, offering tips on how to recognise Pallid, Alpine, Little and Pacific Swifts, should you be fortunate enough to encounter one. The south-east Kent coast is ideally positioned to pick up migrants journeying to and from the Continent and has produced a long list of major rarities over the years. Having moved to Dover a few years ago, Jamie Partridge introduces his adopted patch and looks at what makes it special, while also giving a walk-through of the birding seasons there. Having been the first to pass the magic 900-species mark, Pierre-André Crochet is a trailblazer of Western Palearctic birding – Josh Jones sits down for a chat with the region’s top lister.