South Landing Stunner.......

With the prospect of a full week off to recover i made the decision to go over to Flamboro' this morning straight from work for the 'Ficedula' Flycatcher at South Landing.Amazingly on arrival there were only another two birders present,for what could potentially be not only a first for the British Isles,but also a first for Europe!.Any way down to business and after what seemed like an eternity of staring into the ravine,we at last got our first glimpses of this stunning bird.On first appearance it looked immediately brighter than your normal run of the mill Pied Fly,with a huge wing patch,large white patch on the forehead and velvety black upperparts.There was a very slight hint of a rump patch,being dirty brownish in colour and with really,gleaming white underparts,making for a very contrasting looking bird.I watched it on and off for the next 3 hours as it sallied for insects,sometimes being lost as it darted about after its insect prey and we were slowly joined by other visitors to see this cracking bird.Regardless of the outcome,this bird is certainly worth seeing and the 50 mile journey was well worth it.Other birds seen while on site included a single male Brambling,no doubt confused by the freezing weather today,a couple of Siskin,5 Blackcap and about 20 Chiffchaff.Overhead a single Merlin dashed south over the ravine and a handfull of Puffins were seen distantly on the sea.A very enjoyable few hours with this stunning little bird and well worth the drive over straight from nights.