. Gesturing wildly to get people approaching to back off didn't work but the bird only moved about 20 yards and I was to approach it close enough to see it was a Black Redstart 
. I pointed this out to a work colleague and UKB'er Mildheart who is also a keen birdwatcher. Fortunately he just happened to have his camera at work that day so was able to get these lovely shots of a resplendent male 
.
). Our workplace is already starting to look the part (piles of rubble scattered amongst the glass and concrete) so fingers crossed he hangs around for a female and sets up shop rather than just passes through. 
Phil
. My kingfisher guide to birds describe it as a colonizing summer visitor. Largely passage migratory in spring and autumn with fewer than 100 pairs breeding (in urban derelict areas) and some remaining to overwinter around Southern coasts. Overall I would say it is pretty rare but can be seen if you know where to go or you just get lucky like I was
. It's been a long time for my second sighting
. a great mound of bricks and mortar that used to be our library, gradually going back to nature 
) this past week or so. Portland have had double figures the last few days (8, 9, 23, 12 being the daily tally for earlier this week), all migrants coming in off the continent. Unfortunately Phil, the chances of your bird staying for more than a few days is slim. So saying, there's been one in a Banstead garden for the past 5 days so it could loiter whilst the weather is being all stupid. 
