Rare Isabelline shrike spotted in Britain on its annual migration from the Far East

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.read more