After a relatively fruitless visit to Newton this morning with only really a Lesser Whitethroat near the hide at Newton Pool as evidence of any migration I adjourned to the pub for fish & chips & a pint. On venturing forth again it was tipping it down and looked set in. Hence thought it prudent to cut the day short as watching in rain always difficult. Should have stuck it out ! On getting back home I received a call from Gary Woodburn to say that I should get back here quick. A stunning first-summer male Collared Flycatcher on view near the tin church where it was keeping to the gorse cover on the edge of the horse field. 25 minutes later I was watching this apparition. A stunning bird to say the least and a few photos as well. it behaved admirably with people able to view from the road. A typical early evening twitch in Northumberland with only 20 people at any one time even when I left at 18:30. Hopefully it will stay though evening looks clear. Another stunning find for Gary on his home patch and a first for Northumberland. TRD
