As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Sunday, 7 July 2013

Rare Ascension frigatebird recorded on Islay

An Ascension frigatebird has been recorded in the UK for only the second time.

RSPB Scotland confirmed the large seabird was seen at Bowmore on Islay, but added that it since appeared to have moved on.

It is the first record of an Ascension frigatebird since 1953 when one was spotted on Tiree.

The birds' usual territory is the sea off the west coast of Africa. They feed on fish, squid and jellyfish.

It is the latest rare bird sighting to be made in weeks on Scotland's islands.

Last month, about 30 birdwatchers travelled to Harris to catch sight of a white-throated needletail.

It breeds in Asia and winters in Australasia, and was spotted on Harris.

The unusual visitor has only been recorded five times in the UK since 1950.

However, it died after colliding with a small wind turbine.

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