'Butcher bird' shrike spotted in South Tyneside

The shrike was described as looking "like a burglar"

A rare bird blown thousands of miles off course while migrating has been spotted in South Tyneside.

The Isabelline shrike spotted near South Shields over the weekend should have been on its annual migration from China or Mongolia to North Africa.

Hundreds flocked to where the bird came to rest on land managed by the National Trust north of Souter Lighthouse.

Usually only one Isabelline shrike, also known as a "butcher bird" is spotted in the UK every year.

'Dream come true'

It was thought easterly winds have blown a number of migratory birds off course this year, with additional recent sightings of Isabelline shrikes at Portland, Dorset, and Toe Head, County Cork.

Keen birdwatcher and National Trust assistant ranger, Dougie Holden, 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.

"The shrike was roughly the size of a starling, thick-set with a heavy bill.

"They're called the 'butcher bird' because they spear shrews and lizards on thorns. But with what looks like a black mask across its head, our shrike looked more like a burglar."