AN extremely rare bird which has only been seen a handful of times in the UK has caused mass excitement after being spotted flying on the south coast.
PUBLISHED: 10:42, Fri, Jun 12, 2015 | UPDATED: 16:33, Fri, Jun 12, 2015
Matt Eade/Solent NewsMore than 1,000 bird watchers gathered to catch a glimpse of the rare bird
More than 1,000 bird watchers have travelled to Pagham Harbour near Chichester, West Sussex, in the last four days to catch a glimpse of the Hudsonian Whimbrel.
It is thought to be the only bird of its kind in the UK and only 10 others have been seen in this country since 1950.
The bird is so rare because it is native of North America and is hardly ever seen in Britain.
Tim Webb, communications officer for the RSBP said: "It is definitely confirmed that it is here and is still here.
"On these shores this is about the eleventh one in our recorded history, which goes back to about the 1950s.
"This Hudsonian Whimbrel is the only one in the UK right now to our knowledge.
"It is incredibly unusual and rare for this species to be seen in this country.
"We do have Whimbrel in this country but not this type."
It is believed this particular Hudsonian Whimbrel got lost and with the help of jet streams ended up in the UK as this country is not a usual flight path for it.
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