GO WILD WITH ERIC PAYLOR

IF you see a small bird suddenly dart out of a tree this month, catch a flying insect, and dart back in again, then it could well be a spotted flycatcher.

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These lively visitors are turning up in Cleveland's farmland and coastal areas as they prepare to fly to Africa for the winter, after raising four or five chicks on higher ground and woodland edges.

From a distance spotted flycatchers are basically grey-brown above and off white underneath. However they are quite attractive at close range, with their streak crowns and breasts and dark pointed bills.

This fine picture of a spotted flycatcher was taken by Paul Welsh.