Third-for-Britain Mega makes its way north

The news of an ultra-rare Northern Mockingbird (a species last recorded in 1988!) down in Devon was as astonishing as it was frustrating: fat chance of me having time to go down there and connect with that one! But then, a few days ago, word spread that it had moved north - to a garden in Newbiggin, just an hour-and-a-half away. Tempted? Silly question. On 9th May, I drove over to Miltonrigg Wood first in the hope of finding Wood Warbler (still no luck here) and then drove further east to catch up with the mega. It was relatively simple: I parked up in town, walk down to the site (derelict waste ground surrounded by a housing estate - nice!) and waited - along with about 50 other birders. About twenty minutes later, the bird suddenly appeared - on top of a small tree, harassed by a Blackbird - and promptly disappeared again! Fortunately it reappeared a little later and gave much better views. And yes, I got some shots - far better ones than I had anticipated. Sure, it wasn't the most beautiful of birds but it was a characterful and bold wee thing. The only annoying thing was that it insisted then on perching mostly on manmade constructions, which never lend themselves to good photography. Hey ho, you can't have it all sometimes. Relieved (as well as delighted), I drove back to Miltonrigg Wood on my way home and get some nice shots of Pied Flycatcher (again!).