1,000 people drawn to North Norfolk after rare bird spotted

10:21Friday 15 May 2015

An estimated 1,000 people descended on the North Norfolk coast after a rare bird was spotted in the sand dunes.

Within hours of the citril finch being discovered in Burnham Overy on Sunday, 500 people were on the beach.

Normally Citril Finches are found in alpine areas of Europe so the sighting of this male bird proved to be a big draw for bird watchers from across the country.

This is the first sighting of a citril finch in mainland Britain.

The RSPB’s area manager Rob Lucking estimates that the 1,000 people visited the Titchwell reserve during Sunday and Monday.

He said: “It caused a lot of excitement.

“I have seen one in France but never thought I would see on in Norfolk.

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