Mega rare sights on their UK tour

Traditional North versus South rivalries and eastern and western arrivals have been dominating the birdwatching scene.

- With STUART WINTER

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.

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