Following the establishment of the first settlement in Seychelles in 1770, it was almost a century before any scientist visited the archipelago with the intention of describing the birds of the islands. Then in 1865 came the visit of English scientist Edward Newton. Newton produced the first ever list of birds recorded in Seychelles, giving a total of 43 species. Birds he collected included two annual migrants (Grey Plover and Little Stint) and his list also included one vagrant bird of prey listed as 'Falco an Circus? "Papangue" said to occur in bad weather'. It is not possible to say with certainty what species this might have been and it was not until Lantz visited the islands in 1877 that the first vagrant species were recorded. Lantz shot a number of species, including three vagrants species. One of these, Oriental Pratincole, was chosen as the logo for SBRC in honour of the landmark event.

In 1892, the first migrants were recorded in the outer islands during the visit of W.L. Abbott. Abbott collection from Aldabra, included six species classed as vagrants today by SBRC. Two more vagrant species were added to the list by collectors in 1904 and another in 1907. It was a further half century later before the first sight record of a vagrant to be later accepted by SBRC was made. This was a Barn Swallow, recorded Dr W.D. Hartman on Assumption Island.

A trickle of records turned into a flood in the late 1960s and early 1970s.This was due to two factors. One was the heightened scientific interest in Aldabra stimulated by the threat posed by plans to turn the atoll into a western military facility. The second important factor was the arrival of Chris Feare in Seychelles. Most earlier visitors had not kept detailed notes of their sightings, an essential element in reviewing their accuracy but Chris Feare was an exception. During his visits to Seychelles, Chris has added 21 species to the Seychelles list, more than any other individual, including 18 in 1972-1973 alone. In the 1980s and 1990s, Wardens on Aride, Cousin and Aldabra have also contributed to our knowledge so that new species have been added to the list in every year since 1981.

The following list records details of all first records of vagrant species in Seychelles accepted by SBRC. No doubt other species will be added and to this end, every birdwatcher, whether a visitor to Seychelles or a resident in the islands can help to add to our knowledge by carefully recording details of their sightings and reporting these to SBRC.

1877

Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum
A male and a female on Mahé October-November, collected by A. Lantz, details published by M.E. Oustalet. The specimens are preserved in the Paris Museum of Natural History.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta
A male on Mahé October, collected by A. Lantz, details published by M.E. Oustalet. The specimen is preserved in the Paris Museum of Natural History.

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
A juvenile, exact date unknown, collected by A. Lantz, details published by M.E. Oustalet. The specimen is preserved in the Paris Museum of Natural History.

1892

Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius
Two at Aldabra, a juvenile female 2^nd October and an adult female 19^th December, collected by W.L. Abbott. The specimens are preserved at the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

Mascarene Martin Phedina borbonica
A bird of the nominate race 19^th November, collected by W.L. Abbott. The specimen is preserved at the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

Common Swift Apus apus
A juvenile race pekinensis at Picard, Aldabra 1^st December, collected by W.L. Abbott. The specimens are preserved at the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia
One at Picard, Aldabra 2^nd December, collected by W.L. Abbott. The specimen is preserved at the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus
One at Picard, Aldabra 10^th December, collected by W.L. Abbott. The specimen is preserved at the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
An adult male of race lutea at Picard, Aldabra 20^th December, collected by W.L. Abbott. The specimen is preserved at the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

1904

European Roller Coracias garrulus
Two at Aride, one collected 9^th October and one 14^th October, by G. Thibault. The specimens are preserved at the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

Striped Crake Aenigmatolimnas marginalis
A female on Picard, Aldabra on 10^th December, collected by F.R. Mortimer. The specimen is preserved at the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

1907

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
A female on Aride 16^th November, collected by G. Thibault. The specimen is preserved at the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

1957

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
One at the sand dunes, Assumption Island 13^th December, observed by W.D. Hartman

1965

Asian Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus
An adult female found dead on Mahé 25^th April 1965, collected by Con Benson. The specimen is at the Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

1968

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Two at Cinq Cases, Grand Terre, Aldabra 21^st January, observed by P. Grubb

Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus
An adult of nominate race at Cinq Cases, Aldabra 7^th-23^rd February, observed by P. Grubb.

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
An adult female or immature at Menai Island, Cosmoledo Atoll 6^th March, observed by Con Benson.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
An unsexed individual of the nominate race at the Settlement, Picard, Aldabra, 11^th March, collected by Con Benson

Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
A female at the Settlement, Picard, Aldabra 11^th-28^th March, collected by Con Benson. The specimen is preserved at the Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus
Two at Anse Var, Aldabra 22^nd-23^rd March, observed by Con Benson and S.A. Renvoize.

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
An adult male at Picard, Aldabra 28^th March, collected by Con Benson. The specimen is preserved at the Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

1969

White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata
An adult at Bras Takamaka, Aldabra on 21^st September, observed by Tony Diamond

1970

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
A bird at Curieuse early July, observed by John Procter.

1971

Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae
One at Cousin February, filmed by George Edwards for Survival Television (but described in the commentary to the programme as Sooty Falcon).

1972

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatalis
One at mudflats near Victoria 17^th January, observed by Chris Feare.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
One at mudflats near Victoria 30^th January, observed by Chris Feare.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
Four first-years at mudflats near Victoria, Mahé 30^th January, observed by Chris Feare.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus
One at mudflats near Victoria, Mahé 2^nd-14^th February, observed by Chris Feare.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes
One at sea between Frégate and Récif 2^nd May, observed by Chris Feare.

Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
One at the airstrip, Bird Island 22^nd September, observed by Chris Feare.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax
A juvenile at the airstrip, Bird Island 26^th September-26^th October, observed by Chris Feare.

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotus
One at Bird Island 13^th-14^th October, observed by Chris Feare

Little Curlew Numenius minutus
One at Bird Island 14^th October-April 1973, observed and filmed by Chris Feare. Also photographed by R.J. Raines.

Pacific Swift Apus pacificus
One at Bird Island 20^th October, observed by Chris Feare.

Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis
One at Bel Ombre, Mahé early November, observed and photographed by R.J. Raines. Accepted with caveat "origin unknown".

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
One at Glacis, Mahé in early November, observed by R.J. Raines

Wilson's Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus
One close inshore at Bird Island on 2^nd November, observed by Chris Feare.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
A female or first-winter at Bird Island 8^th-13^th November, observed by Chris Feare.

Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus
An adult female found dead on Bird Island early December, collected by Guy Savy. The specimen is at the Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
An adult of nominate race at the Settlement, Picard, Aldabra 4^th December, collected by Cliff Frith. The specimen is at the Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

Sooty Falcon Falco concolor
An immature at the Research Station, Picard, Aldabra on 12^th December, observed and photographed by Cliff Frith.

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
A male at the Old Settlement, Aldabra 12^th December, collected by Cliff Frith. The specimen is at the Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

Little Swift Apus affinis
One at Mont Fleuri, Mahé on 31^st December, observed by Chris Feare.

1973

White Wagtail Motacilla alba
One at Dune Jean Louis, Grand Terre, Aldabra 7^th March, observed by David Bourn.

Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus
An adult, possibly male, at Bird Island 2^nd-14^th June, observed by Chris Feare.

Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus
An adult race indicus at Bird Island from 8^th July until June 1974, observed by Chris Feare.

Indian Pond-heron Ardeola grayii
One at Bird Island 22^nd-29^th September, observed and photographed by Chris Feare.

Corncrake Crex crex
A juvenile at the Lodge, Bird Island 5^th-6^th October, collected by Chris Feare. The specimen is preserved at Cambridge Museum, UK.

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
A juvenile at Bird Island 5^th-7^th October, observed by Chris Feare.

Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura
One at the Settlement, Aldabra 20^th November collected by Roger Wilson. The specimen is preserved at the Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

1974

Common House Martin Delichon urbica
One at the Research Station, Picard, Aldabra 13^th October, observed by Roger Wilson.

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis
A bird of race icterops or volgensis, possibly first-year, near Anse Var, Aldabra, 30^th October, trapped and released by Robert Prys-Jones.

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
One at Cousin 23^rd November, observed by Tony Diamond. On 25^th December, a female, possibly the same bird was found dead on Cousine; the specimen is preserved at the Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

1975

Western Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus
One over Félicité 1st October, observed by Don Turner and Alec Forbes-Watson.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
One at Silhouette 8^th October, observed by Don Turner and Alec Forbes-Watson.

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
Six decreasing to two at Victoria, Mahé 28^th November-2^nd December, observed by Jeff Watson.

1976

Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis
A female or immature at North Island, Farquhar Atoll 26^th October, observed by Chris Feare.

Great White Egret Egretta alba
One at mudflats near Victoria, Mahé 8^th-18^th November, observed by Chris Feare. Other observers were Alec Forbes-Watson and Don Turner.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
One at Frégate 12^th November, observed by E.H. Henry.

White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa
One at Aldabra on 12th December observed and photographed by Robert Prys-Jones.

1977

Northern Pintail Anas acuta
A pair of adults at Police Bay marsh, Mahé 18^th February, observed and photographed by N.T. Ebenhard

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
A pale morph at Victoria, Mahé 19^th November, observed by Jeff Watson.

1978

Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
A male, perhaps immature at Anse Victorin, Frégate 13^th February, observed by Jeff Watson.

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
An adult male at the plateau, Aride 19^th-20^th April, observed by Jeff Watson and Steve Warman.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
A juvenile at Bird Island 9^th October, observed by Bernard Watts and Elizabeth Watts. Other observers were Georges Norah and Manfred Busse.

1981

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis
One near the Lodge, Bird Island 12^th March, observed and photographed by John Lines. Other observer was Georges Norah.

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
A female at Cousin 22^nd October-9^th November, observed by John Phillips.

Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus
One at Grand Anse, Praslin 4^th November, observed by John Phillips and Viv Phillips.

1982

Jacobin Cuckoo Oxylophus jacobinus
An adult at Bird Island 21^st March, observed and photographed by John Phillips.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
One at Bird Island 5^th-7^th November, observed by John Phillips.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
One at Cousin 10^th-22^nd November, observed by John Phillips.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
A juvenile, probably female, at Cousin from 10^th-24^th November, observed by John Phillips.

Great Snipe Gallinago media
One on Praslin 24^th November-3^rd December, observed by John Phillips.

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis
An adult non-breeding at Cousin 20^th December, observed by John Phillips.

1983

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
A juvenile over Cousin and Cousine on 13^th January, observed by John Phillips.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
One adult winter at sea 500 metres north of Denis Island 4^th November, observed by Adrian Skerrett.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Two adults flying inland from the sea between Oceangate House and the Yacht Club, Victoria on 21^st December, observed by Adrian Skerrett and Christoph Imboden.

1984

Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris
One at mudflats near Victoria, Mahé 2^nd March, observed and photographed by Bill Oddie.

Cape Petrel Daption capense
One at sea between Cosmoledo and Assumption on 3^rd September, observed by Adrian Skerrett.

1985

Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
One at Frégate, 27th February 1985 observed by Lars Jonsson.

Broad-billed Sandpiper Tryngites falcinellus
An adult at Anse Madge, Praslin 15^th-16^th October, observed by James Ferguson-Lees and a group from Ornitholidays, photographed by Andrew Oldacre.

1986

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
A female at a pool near the sand dunes, Assumption Island on 26^th October, observed by Peter Roberts.

1987

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
One at mudflats near Victoria, Mahé 5^th-8^th October, observed by James Ferguson-Lees and a group from Ornitholidays.

Whiskered Tern Chlidoniashybridus
A first-winter bird at Grand Anse, Praslin 13^th October, observed by James Ferguson-Lees and a group from Ornitholidays.

Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni
One at Bird Island 15^th-16^th October, observed by James Ferguson-Lees and a group from Ornitholidays, photographed by Martin Broadbridge.

Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
One at Aride 4^th-13^th November, observed by Ian Bullock.

Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina
One at the airstrip, Amitié, Praslin 16^th-30^th November, observed by Ian Bullock.

1988

Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris
One on the plateau, Aride 29^th October-9^th November, observed by Ian Bullock.

Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta
One juvenile moulting to first-winter at Roche Caiman Bird Sanctuary 12^th November, observed by Ian Bullock.

Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina
One on the plateau, Aride 19^th-20^th November, observed by Ian Bullock.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
An adult male at Anse Caiman, Curieuse 2^nd-4^th December, observed by Ian Bullock.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
An adult, probably female at Roche Caiman Bird Sanctuary 25^th December, observed by Ron Gerlach and Justin Gerlach.

1989

Common Pratincole Glareola pratincola
One at Baie Ste Anne Praslin on 29^th January, observed Ian Bullock.

1990

Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus
An immature moulting to adult near the hotel, Frégate, 13^th October-7^th February 1991, observed by Adam Gretton.

Jouanin's Petrel Bulweria fallax
One at approximately 50º East, 8º South between Mahé and Aldabra 9^th December, found by a crew member of the cruiseship Renaissance One. Handed to ship's lecturers Alec Forbes-Watson and Adrian Skerrett; it was photographed, by the latter and released.

1991

Western Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
A female or juvenile male at Bird 27^th-28^th November observed and photographed by S.C. Brown.

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
A first year at the Tuna Quay, Victoria 24^th December found exhausted by a stevedore and given to Willy Andre at Environment who passed it to Lindsay Chong-Seng who kept the bird until it died on 27^th December. The bird was buried but later exhumed and the skull is preserved at the Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
One at Oceangate mudflats 31^st December, present up to 29^th March 1992, observed by Ron Gerlach and Adrian Skerrett (who photographed the bird).

1992

Heuglin's Gull Larus heuglini
Two first-winters at Providence, Mahé, observed and photographed by Adrian Skerrett. Other observers were Willy Andre and Lindsay Chong-Seng.

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
A female or immature at the airstrip, Praslin 24^th April-24^th May, observed by James Wolstencroft.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata
One at Roche Caiman Bird Sanctuary 11^th-12^th July, observed by Jim Stevenson. Other observers were Justin Gerlach and Ron Gerlach.

Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus
A juvenile male near Récif Island found exhausted 15^th July, by Louis Hoareau. Taken to Mahé, it was kept until it died on 24^th October. Photographed and reported by Adrian Skerrett, other observers were John Collie, Julie Dixon Gill Gerlach, Ron Gerlach, Pat Matyot, Judith Skerrett and Colin Taylor.

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
A first-year at La Cour, Aride 21^st-22^nd October, observed by James Wolstencroft.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
A first-year at Oceangate mudflats, Mahé 27^th October, observed by Neil McCulloch and Adrian Skerrett.

Eurasian Scops-owl Otus scops
One between Au Salon and Grand Anse, Frégate 1^st November, observed by Neil McCulloch.

White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus
Two at Fairview Estate, Mahé 4^th November, observed by Nigel Hunter and Nick Dymond.

1993

Hoopoe Upupa epops
An adult of race africana north of the settlement, Picard, Aldabra 20^th-22^nd October, observed and photographed by Bruce Schoeberl. Other observer was Raymond Rainbolt.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
An adult of nominate race at the beach, Aride 24^th-25^th October, observed and photographed by Carl Anderson. Other observers were Clive Read and Simon Smith.

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
A male of nominate race found exhausted on South-east Island on 14^th December, by Maxine Esparon. It was taken captive and released at Roche Caiman Bird Sanctuary, but died the next day. Photographed and reported by Adrian Skerrett, other observers were Gill Gerlach, Ron Gerlach and Jimmy Melanie. The specimen is preserved at The Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

1994

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
A first-winter bird was found exhausted at the East beach, Frégate 27^th February and died the following day, collected by Neil McCulloch, photographed by Adrian Skerrett. The specimen is preserved at The Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes
A bird, probably adult, at Roche Caiman Bird Sanctuary 28^th April observed and photographed by Michael Knoll.

Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
An adult was at Bamboo River and the airstrip, Frégate 8^th October, observed by Rob Lucking and Vicki Ayrton.

1995

Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
One at Frégate, 27th February 1985 observed by Lars Jonsson.

Allen's Gallinule Porhyrula alleni
An adult at Bassin Flamant, Aldabra 15^th February, observed by Mitch Bergeson.

Amur Falcon Falco amurensis
A first-year and an adult near the airstrip, Desroches1^st-3^rd March, observed and photographed by Wolfgang Wiltschko.

White-faced Storm-petrel Pelagodroma marina
A series of sightings in the Amirantes, with one near Boudeuse on 9^th May, one near Desroches 10^th May and five near Rémire on 12^th May. Photographed and reported by Adrian Skerrett, other observers were Anna Lewis, Martin Lewis, David Rowat, Glynis Sanders, Judith Skerrett and Malinda Skerrett.

Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea
A female or immature male near the Lodge, Bird Island 13^th July-23^rd February, observed by Chris Feare. Other observes were Georges Norah, Margaret Norah and Christian Widmann.

1996

Yellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia
An adult at Plantation Club marsh 22^nd March-7^th April, observed by Oliver Langrand and Adrian Skerrett, photographed by the latter. Other observers were Vicki Ayrton and Rob Lucking.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus
An adult at Fond de l'Anse, Praslin on 12^th September, observed by Steven Bright.

Swinhoe's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis
One found dead near Cote d'Or, Praslin in October by an unknown tourist was handed to Victorin Laboudallon. It was frozen and later identified and reported by Adrian Skerrett. The specimen is preserved at The Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana
An adult at Roche Caiman Bird Sanctuary, 8^th December-6^th February 1997, observed and photographed by Adrian Skerrett. Other observers were Vicki Ayrton, Gill Gerlach, Ron Gerlach, Rob Lucking, George Mentzies and Edwin Palmer.

1997

Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Three adult summer and probably a further twelve adult winter/first summer at Oceangate mudflats, Mahe 23^rd-24^th December observed by Tony Disley and Adrian Skerrett.

Black Kite Milvus migrans
One at La Passe, Silhouette 24^th December, observed by Ron Gerlach and Gill Gerlach. The following day, Tony Murray and N. Burnett also observed one at Cousin, probably the same bird.

1998

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix
One captured at Bel Air, Mahé on 20^th May by a resident, reported and photographed by Adrian Skerrett.

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
An adult male at Police Bay marsh, Mahé on 26^th May, observed by Adrian Skerrett and Gérard Rocamora.

South Polar Skua Catharacta maccormicki
A juvenile pale morph off Aride 9^th-25^th July, observed and reported by John Bowler and Janet Hunter. Also observed by Jaime Ramos.

Mallard Anas platyrhyncos
An adult female was observed at the Dauban Marsh, Silhouette 12^th December-16^th January 1999, observed and sketched by Ron Gerlach. Other observers were Gill Gerlach and Justin Gerlach. Accepted with caveat "origin unknown".

Eurasian Bee-eater Merops apiaster
An adult at East North Island, Cosmoledo Atoll, observed by Adrian Skerrett and a group from the Rare Bird Club, photographed by Tasso Leventis.

1999

Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus
A series of sightings at Aldabra as follows: one at Passe Hoareau, 26^th January, one north of Settlement Beach 1^st March, one at Bassin Flamant 3rd March, one at Cinq Cases landing stage 5^th March, one at Bras L'Eglise 31^st March, three at Bassin Flamant 1^st April, one at Coco tortoise transect 1^st April, twenty-one at Bras L'Eglise 28^th April, ten at Bassin Flamant 29^th April, four at Bassin Flamant 29^th June, two at Bras L'Eglise 3^rd August, one at Bras L'Eglise 29^th August, one at Bras L'Eglise 31^st August and one at Ibis Pool, Cinq Cases 25^th November, observed and photographed by Michael Betts. Other observers were Rodney Fanchette and Francis Alcinder.

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
An adult female at the Plantation House garden, Frégate 16^th April, observed and photographed by Adrian Skerrett. Other observers were Judith Skerrett and Malinda Skerrett.

2000

Matsudaira’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma matsudairae
Two at sea between Providence and Alphonse 20th-21st August 2000 observed by Michael Betts and Susan Barclay.

Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
A first-winter male west of the chalets, Bird Island 16th-20th November observed and photographed by John Bowler. other observer was Janet Hunter.

Spotted Redshank Tringa ethyropus
One at Providence, Mahé 17th December 2000 observed and photographed by Adrian Skerrett. Other observer was Gerard Rocamora.

Saker Falcon Falco cherug
An immature over the hill and plateau, Aride 24-25 December 2000 observed by John Bowler, Janet Hunter, Jimmy Pillay, Carol Warman, Steve Warman and David Todd.

2001:

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
One on Alphonse 27th January 2001 observed and photographed by Adrian Skerrett.

Madagascar Pratincole Glareola ocularis
An adult between Anse des Cocos and Anse Badamier and at Anse dans Galets, Grand Terre, Aldabra 6-7th November 2001 observed by Anna Liljevik and Mervin Aglae.

Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius
A first-winter on Alphonse from about 12th November 2001 present up to about 15th March 2002, observed and photographed by Adrian Skerrett. Other observers were Judith Skerrett, Malinda Skerrett, Francis Payet, W Haselan and Jude Morel.

2002:

Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
An immature male at Platte Island 25th January-30th March 2002 observed by Leslie Roest, Eric Roest, Adrian Skerrett and Gerard Rocamora.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
One at the Inter-Island Quay, Mahe 21st September 2002 (Regis Tiatousse) followed by one at the airstrip and edge of hotel area, Bird Island 10-13th October 2002 (Ron Adams, Simon Boyes and Ornitholidays Group, Adrian Skerrett, John Nevill and RSPB Group, Margaret Assary).

2003 :

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
One in January 2003, numbers rising to 4 by 12th March and 5 (all adults) by 15th March 2003 (Adrian Skerrett, Michael Betts, Pearson Nibourette); this is also possibly linked to u p to twelve at the airstrip, Denis Island 22nd February 2003 (Camille Hoareau, Mickey Mason).

Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata
One at the Sooty Tern colony, Bird Island 22nd-27th November, 2003 (John Phillips, Viv Phillips, Robbie Bresson, Adrian Skerrett).

Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala
An adult at the northern end of Denis Island 30 December 2003-16 February 2004 (Camille Hoareau).

2004:

Kermadec Petrel Pterodroma neglecta
One intermediate phase at Cousin 29th Aug 2003 and one, presumably the same individual, on 29th June 2004 observed and photographed by Cas Eikenaar. Other observer was Thor Veen.

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus
One at the tern colony and adjacent beach, Bird Island 24th October 2004-9th February 2005 observed by Georges Norah, Robbie Bresson and Adrian Skerrett .

Little Crake Porzana parva
One at Cousin 25th-27th December 2004 observed and photographed by Cas Eikenaar. Other observers were Karen Bouwman and Joel Souyave

2005:

Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii
An adult in breeding plumage at the beach, Aride 29 August 2005 observed by Frankie Hobro, Teresa Catry, George Stoyle and Francis Salomon.

2006:

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
A male at the Dauban marsh, Silhouette 17 February to 1 March 2006 observed by Jules larue and Guy Esparon.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
One on board the cruiseship Le Ponant halfway between Aldabra and Alphonse on 27 March 2006 observed and photographed by Gerard Rocamora and crew/passengers of Le Ponant)

African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus
One at Picard, Aldabra on 20 December 2006 observed and photographed by Pierre Pistorius, also observed by Guy Esparon).

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
A juvenile female at the sewage ponds, Alphonse December 23-25 2006 observed and photographed by Adrian Skerrett.

2008:

Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
One race smithii at the Research Station, Picard, Aldabra on 8 February 2008 observed and photographed by Catherina Onezia, also observed by B Rose).