2012 Rarity Prediction League - We have a Winner

Step forward Mr Pete Kinsella, winner of the North Wales Birding Rarity Prediction League. Thanks for all those who took part. Pete scored a total of 22 points with American Golden Plover (Malltraeth), Black Kite (Bardsey) and Woodchat Shrike (Great Orme, Bardsey and Cemlyn) earning Pete the bragging rights over his fellow birders (especially as he doesn't even live in the area. He is now an honorary North Wales birder!

However, four contentious records may in the long run remove him from his perch. Four single observer records have not counted but may well do if passed by British Birds Rarity Committee - Bangor Thrush Nightingale, South Stack Black browed Albatross, Llandegla White tailed Eagle and Bardsey Olive backed Pipit (all worth 15 points each)

Second place came Rob Hughes who predicted the Desert Wheatear and reached 15 points, but has the potential of scoring 45 if Thrush Nightingale and Olive backed Pipit are accepted by BBRC. Another potential winner is young Aled Hughes who came in with 3 points (Bee-eater and Red backed Shrike) however if White tailed Eagle and Black browed Albatross pass the 10 rare men's scrutiny he will be propelled to 33 points.

Here is a breakdown of scores of those who took part:-
Pete Kinsella - 22 points
Rob Hughes - 15 points
Rob Sandham, Martin Jones and Chris Jones - 9 points
Ken Croft, Alex Jones, Kev Smith, Jack Davis, Mike Duckham, Henry Cook - 5 points
BT (sorry forgotten name) - 4 points
Aled Hughes and Marc Hughes- 3 points
Kathy Naturebites - 1 points
Andy Clarke, Rhys Jones, Kev Smith, Elfyn Lewis, Julian Wheldrake, Gareth Jones - 0

Scoring birds
15 points - Desert Wheatear
10 points - American Golden Plover, Black Kite,
5 points - Red rumped Swallow, Glossy Ibis
2 points - Bee-eater, Surf Scoter, Corncrake, White Stork, Green-winged Teal, Woodchat Shrike, Rose-coloured Starling,
1 point - Common Rosefinch, Common Redpoll Thanks for taking part!