Mega rare sights on their UK tour

Traditional North versus South rivalries and eastern and western arrivals have been dominating the birdwatching scene. An amazing array of rarities from the Americas and deepest Siberia saw hardcore twitchers heading to the country’s extremities in a season of surprise delights.

- With STUART WINTER

The Rare Bird Alert heralded more than 30 “mega rarity” sightings, with three Siberian rubythroats, white-throated needletail, rufous-tailed robin and an unprecedented seven black-faced buntings headlining the cast of Asiatic wanderers.

From across the Atlantic came a mourning dove and, arguably, the most unexpected discovery of the year - the first ever great crested flycatcher to enter European airspace. A boat-tailed grackle - a likely stowaway on a ship from the US - also made a surprise appearance.