SANDHILL CRANE well and truly 'unblocked'

With the only previously twitchable SANDHILL CRANE in Britain being on Shetland in September 1991, the 18-year gap has ensured a wave of incoming twitchers have not seen one. This morning that all changed, as Paul Higson's adult is still showing well in its favoured field NW of Burwick. A total of at least 60 intrepid travellers have 'scored' and are currently enjoying good views of the bird as it feeds in the stubble. The bird has actually been in the area for at least 11 days and was most likely associated with the deep depression that carried across the influx of Nearctic waders, a trio of Blue-winged Teals and a Blackburnian Warbler at that time. This was one of those 'real' blockers and follows the likes of 'Philadelphia Vireo' and 'Scarlet Tanager', both of which perfomed well in Ireland last year after a lengthy absence (LGRE)