Rare Isabelline shrike spotted in Britain on its annual migration from the Far East
HUNDREDS of birdwatchers flocked to see a rare bird blown thousands of miles off course.
The little bird flew way of course as it landed on the British Isles
The Isabelline shrike spotted near South Shields, South Tyneside, over the weekend should have been on its annual migration from China or Mongolia to North Africa.
The bird came to rest on land managed by the National Trust north of Souter Lighthouse.
Assistant ranger Dougie Holden, a keen birdwatcher, said: “We get a lot of migratory birds flying over the lighthouse, but I didn't expect to see the shrike - it was a dream come true.
The bird likely flew in from Mongolia or China
Black Sun spectacle as thousands of birds migrate for winter
The shrike is about the size of a starling with a heavy bill.
They are called the “butcher bird” because they spear shrews and lizards on thorns before eating them.
Hundreds of birdwatchers headed out to capture a sight of the rarity
News about the rare visitor quickly spread and Mr Holden said: “Our shrike really performed for the cameras, entertaining hundreds of birdwatchers over the weekend.”
Our shrike really performed for the cameras, entertaining hundreds of birdwatchers
It was thought easterly winds have blown a number of migratory birds off course this year, with additional recent sightings of Isabelline shrikes at Portland in Dorset, and Toe Head in Co Cork, Ireland.